What is Earl Grey tea?

Earl Grey is one of the best-known and best-loved tea styles in Britain. At its heart, it is a black tea flavoured with bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit that gives Earl Grey its unmistakable aroma and refreshing lift. Our Earl Grey tea collection celebrates that classic character while also showing just how varied Earl Grey can be, from straightforward breakfast styles to floral, smoky, green and decaffeinated versions.

That versatility is one of the reasons Earl Grey remains so popular. It can feel elegant and traditional, but it also lends itself beautifully to variation. Some versions are clean and classic, some are softer and more floral, and others bring in smoky, green or evening-friendly twists while still keeping bergamot at the centre.

What do Earl Grey teas taste like?

Earl Grey tea is usually defined by the balance between black tea and bergamot. The bergamot brings a bright citrus fragrance, while the tea base adds body, structure and depth. Depending on the leaves used, the result can be brisk and refreshing, rich and full-bodied, or lighter and more aromatic.

A very good place to begin is Breakfast Earl Grey, a sturdy blend of strong black China and Ceylon teas with the unmistakable scent of bergamot. It has the strength and body needed for a morning cup while still delivering the freshness that makes Earl Grey so distinctive.

For something softer and a little more unusual, Earl Grey Sencha with Wild Bergamot offers a greener take on the style. With sencha as the base and wild bergamot layered with orange blossom notes, it brings a fresher, lighter and more aromatic expression of Earl Grey.

For a speciality option, Smokey Earl Grey gives the style a deeper and more dramatic twist. By combining smoky tea notes with bergamot, it creates an Earl Grey that feels darker, bolder and more distinctive while still keeping the citrus lift that defines the category. This works especially well in a collection that also includes decaf, floral and classic reserve styles.

Why is Earl Grey tea so distinctive?

What makes Earl Grey distinctive is the bergamot. That citrus fragrance immediately sets it apart from other black teas and gives the cup a freshness that can feel both invigorating and elegant. At the same time, the choice of tea base has a real effect on the final style. A stronger black tea base creates a fuller, more breakfast-friendly Earl Grey, while lighter or greener bases can produce something gentler and more fragrant.

That is why an Earl Grey collection can include so many variations without losing its identity. Whether the tea is floral, smoky, green or decaffeinated, bergamot remains the thread that ties the collection together.

Does Earl Grey tea have caffeine?

Most Earl Grey teas naturally contain caffeine because they are based on black or green tea. The exact amount depends on the base tea and how it is brewed. Our collection also includes Evening Earl Grey Decaffeinated, which offers an Earl Grey option for those who want the flavour without the caffeine.

How should you drink Earl Grey tea?

Earl Grey can be enjoyed in several ways. Many people prefer it black so the bergamot comes through clearly, but stronger versions can also work well with a splash of milk. That is especially true of fuller-bodied styles such as Breakfast Earl Grey. Lighter or greener versions are usually best enjoyed without milk so their fragrance and freshness are not masked. Earl Grey also works well as an afternoon tea, and some styles are refreshing served cold.

Explore our Earl Grey tea collection

Our Earl Grey tea collection is designed to show just how broad this classic style can be. From the strong, bergamot-led character of Breakfast Earl Grey, to the lighter freshness of Earl Grey Sencha with Wild Bergamot, to the bold depth of Smokey Earl Grey, it offers a clear and enjoyable way to explore one of the world’s most enduring tea favourites. Alongside these, the wider collection also includes styles such as Earl Grey Reserve with Cornflowers, Russian Earl Grey, and Evening Earl Grey Decaffeinated, giving you plenty of room to find the Earl Grey that best suits your taste.