Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea is a tea blend with a distinctive flavor and aroma derived from the addition of oil extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange, a fragrant citrus fruit. Traditionally the term “Earl Grey” was applied only to black tea; however, today the term is used for other teas that contain oil of bergamot, or a flavor thereof.

The Earl Grey blend is named after 2nd Earl Grey, British Prime Minister in the 1830s and author of the Reform Bill of 1832, who reputedly received a gift, probably a diplomatic perquisite, of tea flavored with bergamot oil. Bergamot is a citrus fruit typical of Southeast Asia and grown commercially in Italy.

According to one legend, a grateful Chinese mandarin whose son was rescued from drowning by one of Lord Grey’s men first presented the blend to the Earl in 1803. The tale has no basis in fact, as Lord Grey never set foot in China and the use of bergamot oil to scent tea was then unknown in China. However, this tale is subsequently told (and slightly corrected) on the Twinings website, as “having been presented by an envoy on his return from China”.

Jacksons of Piccadilly claim they originated Earl Grey’s Tea, Lord Grey having given the recipe to Robert Jackson & Co. partner George Charlton in 1830. According to Jacksons, the original recipe has been in constant production and has never left their hands. Theirs has been based on China tea since the beginning.

According to the Grey family, the tea was specially blended by a Chinese mandarin for Lord Grey, to suit the water at Howick Hall, the family seat in Northumberland, using bergamot in particular to offset the preponderance of limein the local water. Lady Grey used it to entertain in London as a political hostess, and it proved so popular that she was asked if it could be sold to others, which is how Twinings came to market it as a brand.

Earl Grey Cream

Imagine, intense Earl Grey flavor, calmed with subtle hints of cream. This is one of my favorite teas. Earl Grey Cream delivers the traditional Earl Grey taste of sour Bergamot oranges, along with delicate, creamy undertones. This is truly a fabulous tea!

English Tea Store – Earl Grey Cream

Imagine, intense Earl Grey flavor, calmed with subtle hints of cream. This is one of the favorite teas in our store. Earl Grey Cream delivers the traditional Earl Grey taste of sour Bergamot oranges, along with delicate, creamy undertones. This is truly a fabulous tea!