Pleasures · Earl Grey
Earl Grey Tea
Bergamot loud, whispered, or dressed for dessert.
The short answer
For classic Earl Grey, Vahdam Imperial doses the bergamot heavy — the choice if you love the perfume. Twinings Lady Grey is the mellower take, citrus-forward and softer. Harney Paris adds caramel and vanilla for a dessert-leaning twist. Brew all three at 212°F for 3–5 minutes.
Every Earl Grey is the same idea — black tea and bergamot — argued at different volumes. Choose yours by how much perfume you want in the room.
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01 Start here Loose leafVahdam Imperial Earl Grey Loose Leaf
Bergamot dosed heavy enough to scent the whole kitchen. For people who want the perfume of it.
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02 The mellow one Paper bagsTwinings Lady Grey Black Tea (100 ct)
Bergamot held back, lemon and orange brought forward. Earl Grey for people who found the original too forward.
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03 The twist Pyramid bagsHarney & Sons Paris Tea — 50 Sachets
Caramel and vanilla under a thread of bergamot. Earl Grey's dressed-up cousin.
House rule
We rank what we'd actually pour. The order is ours; the order you buy in is yours.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What makes a tea Earl Grey? +
Earl Grey is black tea flavored with oil of bergamot, a citrus fruit. The amount of bergamot is what separates brands — some dose it heavily for a perfumed cup, others hold it back for a subtler citrus note.
What's the difference between Earl Grey and Lady Grey? +
Lady Grey is a Twinings creation with less bergamot plus added lemon and orange peel — lighter and more floral. Earl Grey leads with bergamot and is the bolder, more aromatic of the two.
How do you brew Earl Grey? +
Use freshly boiled water at 212°F and steep 3–5 minutes. Earl Grey takes milk well thanks to its black tea base, though a heavily bergamot-scented version is often best enjoyed black to keep the citrus aroma.