The History of Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey black tea is arguably the most popular name in tea. Dating back to 1824, the moniker has been indelibly connected to tea.
What is Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey is a black tea flavored with oil from the rind of bergamot orange. This aromatic tea, with abundant citrus notes, is bright, yet malty… and brimming with stories.
This tea is named after English aristocrat Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey. He was the British Prime Minister from 1830-1834. Two of his notable achievements were the Reform Act of 1832 and the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.
The Earl is said to have received a diplomatic gift of tea flavored with bergamot. More legends abound—from the Earl receiving a gift of tea after saving the life of a Chinese man’s son (Charles Grey never traveled to China), to tea being stored with bergamot oranges on the voyage to Britain, to the Earl blending his own black tea with bergamot oil because he didn’t like the mineral flavor of the water in his home.
The Earl’s flavored tea was supposedly served by Lady Grey when entertaining in London, which accelerated the tea’s rise to fame.
Although this accomplished politician abolished slavery in Britain during his time in office, he is most remembered for his delicious namesake tea.
Try Our Earl Grey Teas
Premium Earl Grey
“The Ceylon and Yunnan base is excellent and it is not lost behind the bergamot. Like all the Fusion Teas I have experienced, this one is beautifully balanced.”
– K.S., Fusion Teas Customer
The unmistakable aroma of bergamot greets you as soon as you open the tea package, and then with the first sip. Deep, malty tones follow. It is an exquisitely balanced tea: bright notes of citrus and muscat grape lighten the mood while the earthy, chocolatey undertones of black tea unfold to create a complex cup.
Pink Earl Grey Green Tea
A novel take on classic Earl Grey to surely awaken your taste buds! This lovely Earl Grey variation is filled with surprises. Rosebuds and brilliant pink petals greet you, along with a decadent, creamy aroma. Tart rhubarb and floral flavors come forward quickly, while the crisp, clean green tea base still shines through. The green tea offers just enough earthiness and grassiness to ground the other flavors, while a hint of bergamot introduces a fragrant and tangy punch.
Want to learn more about tea? Visit our Tea 101 page.
