I stopped by an Indian grocery today - a different one than I've been
frequenting. I was passing by and thought I'd pop in and see if they
had any Tetley tea bags (real Tetley imported from Britain). The place
where I usually go has been out of them for a while. This store
didn't have them either. Their selection wasn't as good as the place I
usually shop, but after a few moments I decided to take a chance and
bought a just-shy-of-two-pounds box of loose Lipton Yellow Label for
$5.99.

I absolutely detest the Lipton that is sold in American supermarkets,
and I admit to having some prejudice against the Lipton name, which has
prevented me from trying the "foreign" version up to now. When I got
home, I put the kettle on and brewed up a nice big pot of LYL while I
ate my lunch. I'm now into the second cup, and I must say that this is
as fine a cup of tea as I have ever tasted. It's a bit milder than the
Brooke Bond Taj Mahal I've been drinking, but I've only tried the
bagged version of Taj Mahal, so perhaps it's not a fair comparison.
Twinings English Breakfast - who needs it? This stuff is better and
the price sure is right! I don't think I'll ever buy tea anywhere
except in these Indian grocery stores, unless I'm looking for an Earl
Grey blend.

I will never understand why Lipton doesn't sell this blend to their US
customers. I know taste is a subjective thing, but I just can't
imagine anyone preferring the harsh, astringent US Lipton to this fine,
fine blend of Lipton Yellow Label.

I was tempted to try the Lipton Green Label, which I've heard good
things about, but I am really not a Darjeeling person. I prefer a
strong, dark cuppa that these CTC Assams make. Still, perhaps next
time I'll give it a try.