Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend Decaffeinated
Our review
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Fortum & Mason Royal Blend Decaffeinated is as smooth as it is hard to find—at least in North America. It's well worth a try if you happen to find a box, and don't feel bad about drinking this with your pinky finger raised.
From Fortnum & Mason
In this classic Decaffeinated Royal Blend notes of Flowery Pekoe from Sri Lanka uplift the maltier Assam to create a very traditional cup of tea. First blended for King Edward in 1902, Fortnum’s Royal Blend has been popular ever since for its smooth, honey-like flavour.
In the mug
This is a nice-tasting tea with a soft and round flavour. It's quite light, so fans of breakfast-style teas may want to try something that packs more of a punch, like Yorkshire, Thompson's, or Barry's. The teabag contains 2g of tea, so it's best to use a smallish cup or mug for this.
How is Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend Decaffeinated tea decaffeinated?
Fortnum & Mason decaffeinates their tea using Carbon Dioxide. See their support documentation for more information.
On the shelf
Fortnum & Mason houses their Royal Blend Decaffeinated individually-wrapped teabags in a paper box sealed with a transparent plastic sticker.
It is a bit pricey and a little hard to find for those of us east of the Pond (a.k.a. the Atlantic Ocean). I picked up a box at a duty free shop in the Dubai airport, but I have seen Fortnum & Mason teas in other airports, too.
What other reviewers are saying
Khadra Ahmed, writing for the Gateway, the University of Alberta's student newspaper, writes that "Fortnum & Mason deliver a smooth yet subdued blend of black tea":
Overall, the more I drink the tea, the more I find it enjoyable. I think this tea is a reminder that not every blend needs to punch you in the face with flavour and there is a more delicate side of black to enjoy.
Over at the Independent, they figure that "[i]f it's good enough for royalty, it's good enough for us".
Hot takes
Steep strength: ★★★☆☆
Flavour: ★★★★½
Where to buy online
Fortnum & Mason