Earl's Paradise tea by Bluebird Tea Co

A quiet moment. My older son is still in school, and the younger one has succumbed to the inviting softness of the afternoon nap. Just me and my cup of tea. Trying a new tea is almost a ceremony in itself, a solemn moment of peace and serenity. The tea leaves are added to my favourite tea pot. Pour the fragrant golden lava in a cup and enjoy. What tea did I choose, you may ask? Earl's Paradise from Bluebird Tea Co.

I've first came across the Bluebird Tea Co, when I was looking at the list of companies and brands attending The Big Feastival and taking notes which of them sounded exciting and interesting enough to pay a visit.
As a tea lover, I was immediately drawn to the tea company. I was curious to find out a bit more about their  selection of teas and went to browse their online shop. I knew at once that it would be a difficult decision to pick just one flavour.
Earl Grey is my favourite tea, I cannot possibly function without it, and I am always fascinated with all the variations on the theme. There are numerous versions of this classic brew, by most major tea companies and supermarkets, plus all kinds of twists on the flavour.
Earl's Paradise sounded exotic and exciting, and that's the tea I picked while visiting the Big Feastival.

As I have discovered from their site, Bluebird Tea's motto is "Create unique blends of loose leaf teas that ticks three important boxes: Tasty. Fun. For Everyone.
Bluebird strives to create unique teas that are also affordable. Their stand at the festival was attractive and welcoming. I wonder where the name comes from and if it is inspired by Maurice Maeterlinck's play The Blue Bird and its quest for happiness. For me, tea equals happiness. Or at least contentment. 

I asked if I could have a look at the tea of my choice and have a sniff. They kindly obliged. The tea was aromatic, fruity and fragrant.

My little man's hands got in the picture

What is Earl's Paradise tea? It is a combination of Ceylon black tea, papaya, strawberry, lime, jasmine and bergamot.

As you can see from the photo below, the main base is the black tea with the added dried fruit, that's actually how I like it. I love the black tea flavoured with fruit.

What did I think of it? It is very fruity, the bergamot note is less pronounced, so I wouldn't necessarily call it a derivative of the classic Earl Grey. Let's say, if the classic Earl Grey is the father of the family, this would be the youngest son's offspring. They are related but are quite different.
It works as an independent entity, and is an enjoyable tea. I certainly wouldn't ruin it with milk, as someone suggested on the shop page (what is it with the Brits and their obsession of adding milk to every tea?!).
There is a touch of sweetness from the fruit. A refreshing brew.
Top marks for the creativity.

To find more about this tea brand, visit Bluebird Tea site.