How should I steep Brooke Bond Must tee bergamot so it is not too bitter or astringent?

Because this is a flavoured black tea in the classic Earl Grey style, the tea base naturally brings depth and a slightly tannic, brisk structure, while the bergamot adds a fresh citrus-floral top note. The main lever you control at home is steeping time: a shorter infusion gives a milder brew with less tannic bite, which many people prefer for an afternoon cup or when drinking it plain.

If you want a stronger cup, let the teabag infuse longer, but be aware that black tea becomes more astringent the longer it stands, so the cup can turn dry or harsh rather than simply fuller. A practical approach is to start with a standard brew of roughly 2–3 minutes in freshly boiled water, taste, and then adjust by 30-second steps on later cups until the balance between the black tea body and the bergamot brightness suits you.

Serving style also changes the perceived strength: a slice of lemon emphasises the citrus character and lightens the impression, while a little milk rounds the taste and softens astringency if you have brewed it on the stronger side. Using water that has just come off the boil, rather than long-simmering water, helps keep the aroma cleaner.