Tea varieties
What Is Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey is a tea flavored with bergamot, a citrus fruit. It is commonly made with black tea, though green and other versions also exist.
Flavor is the defining idea
Unlike Assam or Darjeeling, Earl Grey does not name a growing region. It names a flavored style. The base tea contributes body and its own aroma; bergamot adds the recognizable citrus lift. Two Earl Greys can therefore taste quite different.
Check the ingredient list if you care whether the flavor comes from bergamot oil, another flavoring, or a blend of ingredients. The UK Tea & Infusions Association lists Earl Grey among flavored teas made from black tea.
Find your preferred cup
Taste it plain first. If the citrus feels sharp, a small amount of milk or a slightly shorter steep may soften the impression. If you want a more pronounced base-tea character, look for an Earl Grey that identifies its black tea.
Do not let a familiar name keep you from comparing. Aroma, body, and finish are more useful guides than the label alone.