Earl Grey – Organic Black Tea with Bergamot

Earl Grey by Kusmi Tea, the classic black tea with Calabrian bergamot

Earl Grey is the original form of flavored black tea: black tea from Ceylon and China, refined with essential bergamot oil. Named after British Prime Minister Charles Grey, in the early 19th century. From Kusmi Tea in pure organic quality, loose in a 100 g metal tin. Strong, fresh, timeless.

Earl Grey from Kusmi Tea is the classic among flavored black teas – the original form, from which later blends such as the in-house Anastasia with orange blossom emerged. Pure organic black tea from Ceylon and China, refined exclusively with essential bergamot oil. No other flavors, no frills – the pure form that has captivated tea lovers worldwide since the early 19th century.

Copper-red, strong, and carried by zesty bergamot

Upon opening the tin, the unmistakable scent of bergamot immediately rises – fresh, slightly tart, with that characteristic citrus note that lies between lime and orange. The tea leaves are dark and strong, evenly rolled, the scent is clear and honest: it's all about tea and bergamot, nothing in between.

In the cup, the Earl Grey reveals a brilliant copper-red. The first sip is full-bodied and strong, with the malty depth of Ceylon tea and the fine spice of the China component. Overlaid by bergamot: fruity, zesty, with a slight bitter undertone that lifts the tea rather than weighing it down. The finish leaves a clear citrus note and a gentle astringency – classic Earl Grey in its purest form, as Sir Charles Grey himself would have recognized it.

In the morning with porridge or with a scone with clotted cream

Earl Grey is the classic British morning and afternoon tea. For breakfast, it accompanies porridge, scrambled eggs with toast and orange marmalade, or Sunday brunch with smoked salmon. For five o'clock tea, it goes well with a scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam, shortbread, or a slice of Victoria Sponge Cake. London Fog, the Earl Grey latte with frothed milk and a hint of vanilla, is also a fan recipe.

You can drink Earl Grey black, with a splash of cold milk British style, or with a lemon slice for a clearer citrus note. Honey pairs well with the tarter aspects of bergamot; sugar is a matter of taste. As iced tea in summer with ice cubes and a mint leaf, it surprises with a completely different side. For a pot, you need about 2 tablespoons of loose tea per liter, brewed with 90°C hot water, for 3 to 5 minutes.

For those who want to discover Earl Grey in its variations: the Anastasia is the refined version with additional orange blossom and lemon, the English Breakfast is the stronger alternative for tea drinkers who prefer to avoid bergamot.

The Kusmi Tradition since 1867

The history of Kusmi Tea begins in 1867 in St. Petersburg, where 21-year-old Pavel Mikhailovich Kousmichoff opens his own tea house. His teas quickly become favorites at the Tsar's court, and by the early 20th century, the family runs 53 tea shops across Russia. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the family flees to Paris, where Kusmi Tea is still based today.

Earl Grey is not a historical Kusmi original recipe, but the world's most famous tea specialty – and the house interprets it with the typical craftsmanship of the Parisian manufactory. Since 2017, almost all teas are organically grown, and the essential bergamot oil is 100% natural. All teas are bottled in the modern manufactory in Le Havre, and the iconic round metal tins are recyclable and refillable. In our Kusmi Tea collection, you will find an overview of all blends.