Discover the Best Earl Grey Tea for Your Taste Buds

best earl grey tea

Did you know Americans drink about 84 billion cups of tea each year? A lot of that is Earl Grey. Finding the best Earl Grey tea is a journey. It starts with your favorite coffee shop and ends with brewing the perfect cup at home.

One sip of Earl Grey’s bergamot flavor changes your mornings. It’s more than just a taste; it’s a ritual. It brings magic and comfort to your day.

Whether you love tea or are new to Earl Grey, finding the right one is exciting. You might try many Earl Grey varieties. Each one offers a unique experience.

Exploring Earl Grey can be rewarding. You might find Art of Tea: Earl Grey Crème or Stash Tea: Double Bergamot Earl Grey. Both are great choices.

Key Takeaways:

  • Americans consume approximately 84 billion cups of tea yearly, with Earl Grey being a popular choice.
  • The search for the best Earl Grey tea can be both a journey of passion and discovery.
  • From Traditional Earl Grey to French Earl Grey, each variety offers unique flavors.
  • High-quality options, like Art of Tea: Earl Grey Crème, provide exceptional taste experiences.
  • Budget-friendly choices, such as Stash Tea: Double Bergamot Earl Grey, ensure great value.

Introduction to Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea is a blend of black tea and bergamot oil. It comes from Italy. This mix is loved by tea lovers everywhere.

What is Earl Grey Tea?

Earl Grey tea mixes black tea with bergamot oil from oranges. You can find different teas like Chinese, Indian, or African as the base. Some teas, like Imperial Earl Grey, add oolong tea and blue cornflowers for extra elegance.

The way the tea is made changes its taste. You get a deep red or amber tea with a citrusy flavor.

The Origins of Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea’s history goes back to Earl Charles Grey II. He was the British Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834. It became popular in Europe thanks to him.

There are many stories about how Earl Grey tea started. Some say it was for water quality. But it’s clear it was loved by the British aristocracy. It spread worldwide as the British Empire grew.

Learn more about choosing the best Earl Grey tea for you.

Classic Earl Grey Blends to Try

The world of Earl Grey tea is rich and varied. It spans from traditional recipes to modern twists. Each blend brings unique flavors and experiences. Here, we explore three classic Earl Grey tea blends you should try.

Traditional Earl Grey

Traditional Earl Grey is known for its mix of strong black tea and bergamot oil. This blend uses premium loose leaf earl grey. It offers a full-bodied flavor that’s both bold and fragrant. You can enjoy it hot or iced, making it a timeless favorite.

Lady Grey

Lady Grey was introduced in the 1990s by Twinings. It’s a softer, more elegant version of traditional Earl Grey. It adds citrus flavors like orange and lemon peel, making it zesty yet smooth. This blend is perfect for those who find traditional Earl Grey too strong but still love bergamot.

French Earl Grey

French Earl Grey takes the classic blend to new heights. It adds floral notes and fruit pieces. You’ll find rose petals, lavender, and hibiscus in this blend. It’s a luxurious and fragrant choice that combines premium loose leaf earl grey with these enhancements.

BlendKey IngredientsUnique Features
Traditional Earl GreyBlack Tea, Bergamot OilStrong, Classic Flavor
Lady GreyBlack Tea, Bergamot Oil, Orange Peel, Lemon PeelZesty, Smooth
French Earl GreyBlack Tea, Bergamot Oil, Lavender, Rose Petals, HibiscusFloral, Aromatic Experience

High-Quality Earl Grey Varieties

Looking for the best premium loose leaf earl grey? You’ll find many great options. The main difference is in the black tea base, like Keemun or Ceylon. Also, the type and amount of bergamot oil used.

  • Whittard Earl Grey: Izzy gave it a 3.6. It mixes Ceylon tea with bergamot oil nicely.
  • Novus Sapphire Earl Grey: Also a 3.6 from Izzy, it has a smooth and unique taste.
  • Zest Earl Grey Energy Tea: Rated 3.5, it’s lively and refreshing.
  • T2 Earl Grey: Another 3.5, it’s a classic with a great bergamot flavor.
  • Tealicious Tea Room Earl Grey: Rated 3.5, it’s known for its consistent quality.
  • Hampstead Earl Grey: A 3.4, it’s organic and has a refined taste.
  • PMD Planters’ Earl Grey: Rated 3.2, it’s a top-notch blend.
  • Clipper Organic Earl Grey: Also 3.2, it’s a favorite among organic tea fans.
  • New English Teas Earl Grey: Rated 3.1, it offers a classic taste.
  • Twinings Earl Grey: With a 3.1, it’s a budget-friendly choice for daily tea.

 

Different brands add their own special touch to earl grey. Exploring the flavors and aromas can be very rewarding. There’s a perfect premium loose leaf earl grey for every tea lover.

BrandRating (Izzy)Price
Adagio Teas Earl Grey Lavender8.75$9 for 15 tea bags
Art of Tea Earl Grey CrèmeN/A$21 for 12 tea bags
Bigelow Earl Grey14$4.74 for 20 tea bags
Harney & Sons Earl Grey SupremeN/A$10.14 for 20 tea bags
Numi Aged Earl GreyN/A$6.99 for 18 tea bags
Rishi Tea & Botanicals Earl GreyN/A$56.70 for 1 pound
Sama Tea Awaken & Energize Earl GreyN/A$9.95 for 15 tea bags
Stash Tea Double Bergamot Earl Grey8.75$23.59 for 108 tea bags
Tazo Earl GreyN/A$3.28 for 20 servings
Teavana Earl Grey Crème5.5$23.12 for 60 tea bags
Twinings Earl Grey12.25$4.49 for 20 tea bags
Vahdam Teas Earl GreyN/A$11.99 for 30 tea bags

Discovering your favorite earl grey can be fun. Whether you like a strong Ceylon or a soft Keemun, there’s a perfect earl grey for you. Enjoy the unique flavors and aromas of top-tier earl grey.

Flavored Black Tea with Bergamot Oil Explained

Flavored black tea with bergamot oil is known as Earl Grey tea. It mixes black tea’s strength with bergamot’s citrus scent. Famous brands like Whittard, T2, and Twinings make their own Earl Grey. They use top-quality black tea and add bergamot oil for flavor.

flavored black tea with bergamot oil

The Role of Bergamot Oil

Bergamot oil makes Earl Grey special. It turns regular black tea into a fragrant, tasty drink. Most bergamot oil comes from Calabria, Italy.

This oil comes from bergamot oranges. It adds a tart citrus taste and floral sweetness to Earl Grey. Bergamot oil also might help your heart, lower cholesterol, and aid digestion.

Balancing Flavors

Finding the right mix of black tea and bergamot oil is tricky. Too much oil can overwhelm the tea. Too little makes it taste bland. Top brands get this just right, blending tea and oil carefully.

Earl Grey teas don’t last long, up to a year if kept right. But their unique taste is worth enjoying. Bergamot-infused black tea offers a lovely scent and a bit of energy, thanks to its caffeine.

Best Earl Grey Tea Brands for Your Taste

If you love Earl Grey tea, finding the best brands is key. These brands offer amazing flavors and aromas. Here are some top Earl Grey tea brands that are highly praised.

Art of Tea: Earl Grey Crème

The Art of Tea’s Earl Grey Crème is a special blend. It mixes strong black tea with creamy vanilla and bergamot zest. This tea is loved for its unique taste and sweet hint.

Harney & Sons: Earl Grey Supreme

Harney & Sons’ Earl Grey Supreme is for those who want a sophisticated tea. It’s a mix of black and white teas with natural bergamot oil. This tea is known for its quality and heritage.

Teavana: Earl Grey Crème

Teavana’s Earl Grey Crème is creamy and fragrant. It has a strong black tea base with bergamot and vanilla. This tea makes every moment special with its aroma and flavor.

BrandSmell ScoreStrength ScoreFlavor ScorePrice per Teabag
Art of Tea4.544.5$0.50
Harney & Sons54.55$0.30
Teavana444.5$0.43

Exploring Earl Grey tea brands will lead you to these great choices. Each brand offers a unique and memorable flavor. Enjoy a delightful tea journey every time.

Aromatic Earl Grey Tea Blends

Exploring Earl Grey tea can be a fun adventure for your taste buds. Adding lavender and vanilla can make the traditional Earl Grey even better. These ingredients add soothing and creamy notes to the flavor.

Blends with Lavender

Lavender in Earl Grey tea makes it feel like a spa in your cup. Lavender’s calming effects pair well with bergamot, making it a favorite among tea lovers.

  • Notable Blend: Rosie & Java Blue Lavandula
  • Key Ingredients: Lavender, organic bergamot oil, black tea leaves from China, India, and Ceylon
  • Recommended Infusion: Steep 1 tablespoon for 3.5 minutes at 210°F
  • Tasting Notes: Floral, soothing, and aromatic

 

aromatic earl grey tea blends

Blends with Vanilla

Earl Grey tea with vanilla is great for those who like a richer taste. Vanilla adds sweetness and balances out the bergamot, making it a luxurious tea.

  • Notable Blend: The Tea Keepers Earl Grey & Vanilla
  • Key Ingredients: Assam tea, vanilla pods, organic bergamot oil, cornflowers
  • Recommended Infusion: Steep 2.5 grams per 8 oz cup for 3.5 minutes at 210°F
  • Tasting Notes: Smooth, creamy, and aromatic with subtle citrus undertones

 

Blend SizePrice per CupNumber of Infusions
3 oz$0.352
1 lb$0.162
12 unwrapped tea bags$0.632
100 unwrapped tea bags$0.332

Organic Earl Grey Tea Bags for Health-Conscious Drinkers

If you love earl grey tea and care about health and the planet, you’ll want the best. Luxmi Estates has organic earl grey tea bags made from top-notch, natural stuff. They come from Assam, East India, the biggest tea area in the world. These tea bags have lots of caffeine to start your day right.

These tea bags are in eco-friendly packaging. They’re in bio-degradable bags and come in recyclable containers. This fits well with your green values. Luxmi Estates also cares about people, supporting women and communities in 23 estates. Half of their workers are women.

Choosing these organic earl grey tea bags is good for you and helps a brand that cares. The tea is organic, so it’s free from bad stuff.

FeaturesDetails
VarietiesSourced from 23 estates across India and Africa
Eco-FriendlyBio-degradable tea bags and recyclable packaging
Community Support1% of sales support women and their communities
Workforce50% women
Discounts15% off during the autumn sale

Don’t miss the autumn sale for 15% off with code FALL15. Enjoy the rich taste of these tea bags. You’ll also help the environment and support women tea farmers.

Artisanal Earl Grey Tea Suppliers

Exploring the world of artisanal Earl Grey tea suppliers is like finding a treasure trove of flavors. They offer premium loose leaf Earl Grey. This means unique blends that make your tea time special.

Palais des Thés

Palais des Thés is a top choice for artisanal Earl Grey tea. They use high-quality leaves and natural bergamot oil. This makes their tea stand out with bold yet refined flavors.

Rishi Tea & Botanicals

Rishi Tea & Botanicals adds an artistic twist to their Earl Grey. They use organic ingredients and focus on sustainability. Their tea is a feast for the senses, with bergamot and black tea in perfect harmony.

Vahdam Teas

Vahdam Teas is known for its bold Earl Grey. Their bergamot brew is refreshing and invigorating. They source their tea from India’s lush gardens, ensuring freshness and quality in every cup.

To learn more about another great Earl Grey tea, click here.

Exploring Earl Grey Tea with Added Ingredients

Earl Grey tea with added ingredients is a world of endless possibilities. You can find creamy indulgences or bold smoky notes. These blends offer a wide range of flavors while keeping the classic essence of *flavored black tea with bergamot oil*. Let’s dive into some popular variations that might catch your eye.

Earl Grey Crème

The Earl Grey Crème is a fun twist on the classic Earl Grey. It mixes the boldness of black tea with creamy, vanilla-like flavors. This gives it a smooth texture. The tea is often made with high-quality Assam tea, known for its strong flavor and rich aroma.

This blend is like a dessert when you add milk or honey. It’s a treat for your taste buds.

Smoky Earl Grey

The Smoky Earl Grey is perfect for those who love a strong tea. It adds a smoky layer to *flavored black tea with bergamot oil*. This is done with Lapsang Souchong tea, making it a bold and dark blend.

It’s a unique twist on the traditional citrus notes. It’s an adventurous choice for tea lovers.

Double Bergamot

If you love bergamot, Double Bergamot Earl Grey is for you. It has double the bergamot flavor, giving you a strong citrus experience. Darjeeling tea, known for its fragrant taste, often goes well with this bold addition.

This creates a refreshing yet powerful brew. It’s perfect for those who want more bergamot in their tea.

TypeMain CharacteristicsBase Tea
Earl Grey CrèmeVanilla, CreamyAssam
Smoky Earl GreySmoky, BoldLapsang Souchong
Double BergamotIntense BergamotDarjeeling

The world of Earl Grey is always growing, offering new and exciting flavors. Whether you prefer the creamy Earl Grey Crème, the smoky notes of Smoky Earl Grey, or the intense citrus of Double Bergamot, there’s something for everyone. Each blend adds its own twist while keeping the essence of *flavored black tea with bergamot oil*.

Comparing Earl Grey to Classic English Breakfast Tea

Tea lovers often face a tough choice between classic English breakfast tea and Earl Grey. Both have rich histories and unique brewing ways. They suit different tastes.

Classic English breakfast tea is known for its strong, full-bodied flavor. It’s made from black teas from India, China, and Africa. This blend has a malty taste that goes well with breakfast, often with milk.

Earl Grey, on the other hand, is famous for its bergamot flavor. Bergamot oil, from Italy or France, adds a citrusy and floral taste. It’s a sophisticated choice for any time, and can be made with different teas.

Tea lovers also consider caffeine content. Classic English breakfast tea has a strong caffeine kick, perfect for mornings. Earl Grey has less caffeine, offering a milder start to the day.

Both teas have a long history and are loved worldwide. English breakfast tea was created in 1892 by Robert Drysdale. Earl Grey was named after Lord Charles Grey in the early 19th century. It’s known for its elegance.

FeatureClassic English Breakfast TeaEarl Grey
Flavor ProfileRobust, MaltyCitrusy, Floral
IngredientsBlend of Indian, Chinese, and African black teasBlack tea with bergamot oil
Caffeine ContentHighModerate
Historical OriginLate 19th century (Robert Drysdale)Early 19th century (Lord Charles Grey)
Best Time to EnjoyMorningAnytime

Whether you prefer the bold taste of classic English breakfast tea or the refined bergamot flavor of Earl Grey, both are great. You can find them in stores and tea shops everywhere. So, a premium tea experience is always close by.

Conclusion

Your journey through Earl Grey tea has been exciting and full of new tastes. You’ve seen many flavors and blends for every taste. The study looked at 12 Earl Grey teas, including brands like Adagio Teas, Art of Tea, Bigelow, and Harney & Sons.

Adagio Teas’ Earl Grey Lavender and Art of Tea’s Earl Grey Crème were top picks. They mix bergamot and lavender for a great taste. Bigelow’s Earl Grey is simple and easy to enjoy, perfect for beginners and tea lovers alike. Harney & Sons’ Earl Grey Supreme offers a fancy taste that stands out.

As you explore Earl Grey tea, remember it’s all about what you like. Try T2 French Earl Grey for its floral notes or VAHDAM’s Earl Grey Tea Leaves for its bold taste. Keep trying new blends and brands to find your favorite. Enjoy the elegance and history of Earl Grey tea with every sip.

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Sip Paradise: Discover Coconut Black Tea Bliss

Christian ♦ Tea Lover

Black Tea

16 Oct 2024

Earl Grey Oolong: A Flavorful Fusion of Teas

Christian ♦ Tea Lover

Black Tea

16 Oct 2024

Double Bergamot Earl Grey: A Bold Tea Experience

Christian ♦ Tea Lover

Black Tea

16 Oct 2024

World's Best Tea Community

Get our tasty Tea-Letter 🍵