Most people know Earl Grey as a black tea blend infused with bergamot, but few know that it was originally former British Prime Minister Charles Grey's father, Lord Earl Grey, who first blended black tea with bergamot.
According to the Greys, the tea was specially made by a Chinese tea maker to harmonise with the water in the family home, Howick Hall. The bergamot oil balanced out the large excess of lime in the water and made the tea more flavourful. During Charles Grey's time as Prime Minister, the tea blend was used when the Grey family hosted political gatherings and it quickly became very popular.
Photo: National Portrait Gallery London
Today, Earl Grey is best known as the classic black tea you get almost anywhere in the world. Many people drink a cup of Earl Grey for breakfast or during the working day.
At Solberg & Hansen you can get Earl Grey in several different varieties: Three types of black tea and, new from autumn 2023, a separate Earl Grey of green tea. All are based on tea leaves with added bergamot, but the more specialised varieties, such as Earl Grey Blue Flower, also have other aromas added.
All our Earl Grey teas can be found here.
