If you’re a long-time fan of Earl Grey tea and looking for a delicious blend or expanding your tea collection, we’re here to tell you why T2 has the best Earl Grey tea.

Unveiling the origins of Earl Grey tea

Earl Grey tea has captivated tea lovers around the world for its distinctive flavour and aromatic notes. Its roots trace back to the 19th century, when bergamot was first used to enhance tea’s flavour profile. Named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, this tea blend carries a fascinating history.

There are several stories of the tea’s potential origins, one of which states that during a trip to China, Charles saved the life of a Lord. And as a thank you for saving his life, the Lord gifted Charles Grey with a recipe for black tea scented with the oil of bergamot oranges. The tea's popularity soared, and it has since become one of the most popular teas to drink around the world.

The essence of Earl Grey tea

The hallmark of Earl Grey tea lies in its unique infusion of black tea leaves with the essence of bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit. The blend results in a harmonious marriage of bold, robust tea flavours and delicate, floral undertones. The quality of the black tea leaves, along with the balance of bergamot, distinguishes the best Earl Grey teas from their counterparts. T2 meticulously sources whole tea leaves with minimal breakage to retain their essential oils and unique flavour compounds and then blends these elements to create a transcendent tea experience unlike any other.

Earl Grey vs English Breakfast tea

Ah, the age-old debate — Earl Grey vs English Breakfast tea. Earl Grey tea has a bergamot oil component for a citrusy, floral aroma that adds a refreshing and slightly bitter note to the tea. English Breakfast tea, however, is a blend of different black teas, including Assam, Ceylon and Kenyan teas. Its full-bodied flavour has malty undertones and a slightly earthy taste. If you’re unsure which tea is well suited to your taste, we highly recommend opting for one of our tea gift packs to sample a range of teas and find what tickles your fancy.

How to brew a sip-worthy mug of Earl Grey tea

If you’re making a mug of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea or using an Earl Grey teabag, follow these steps for a delicious cuppa every time:

1. Use a dash of boiling water to warm your T2 teapot, teamaker, or tea mug with infuser.
2. Add one scoop of Earl Grey loose-leaf tea per cup (or one teabag) for the black tea since bergamot flavours are not faint.
3. Add boiling water at 100°C, and note the recommended steeping time of 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour from the teapot or teamaker into your most elegant T2 teacup (or remove the tea bag if you’re using one) or take out the infuser from your T2 mug with infuser.
5. Inhale the heavenly aromas and enjoy your cup of Earl Grey tea with milk — just a dainty dash — or take it straight-up black if you prefer!