Brewing with Earl Grey Tea or other Black Teas?

Hello,

I recently read a recipe for an Earl Grey IPA. It was on a thread, but about two years back. I wanted to revisit the topic.

Has anyone had any experience brewing with teas? or Earl Grey specifically. I think the bergamot orange flavors would work nicely. I'm not certain. Mainly curious.

Not sure what would be a good match. I have read conflicting statements. Some said that a really hoppy IPA worked nicely. Others have stated the a more balanced Red or Brown ale would work as well.

Looking for advise.

Thanks.

Abdul Hassan

I think an APA or American IPA with citrusy American hops would be fantastic with a little Earl Grey in it. The citrus of the hops would complement the bergamot really well. I imagine a wit would also be quite nice. The bergamot would balance the orange peel and spices. But you'd have to have a very light touch or else the tea will overpower a light beer like a wit.

I personally have never brewed with tea - which is amazing, actually, because I drink tea every day. I have used herbal tea (chamomile) in a wit before per Jamil Zainasheff's recipe, but it was just a few grams in the boil for character. Not very noticeable.

If I set out to make a real tea-flavored beer, I'd make brewed tea and add it to the secondary or keg/bottling bucket, like I would with dry hops or "dry spices". Tea gets very tannic when boiled.

Another thing to keep in mind: bergamot is an oil, so using it may impact your head retention.