Shades of Grey

We named this blend because it sits somewhere between a Lady Grey and an Earl Grey tea, though of course some have wondered if there is any link to the famous book and film. The number of times I have been asked for 50 Shades of Grey, without a hint of irony has made me smile.

But what are the origins of Earl Grey and why is our tea a little different. Bergamot is the defining factor in Earl Grey tea and it has been documented that it was used to cover up the flavour of low quality tea in the mid 1800s but, there are, in fact, many stories linked to its origin. Bergamot is a citrus fruit, which is too sour to be eaten, but imparts a wonderful oil from its skin and used in lots of culinary dishes.

Earl Grey tea is historically linked to Charles Grey a British Earl of the 1800s who was Prime Minister between 1830-1834. It can’t be disputed that he enjoyed this aromatic tea but how he was introduced to it is not entirely clear. The most likely, is the least romantic, in that a British envoy brought the tea back from China and he declared his love for it.

Though Keeman tea was used in this popular tea for many decades it is now more often a stronger black tea that is used. We use Sri Lankan UVA as it balances well with the bergamot oil.

Lady Grey tea was introduced by Twinings in the 1990s and incorporated lemon peel as well as orange peel into the classic Earl Grey. We have omitted the lemon and added rose to give a floral component to the blend that has been enjoyed by many aficionados of the original brew and is passionately loved by many of our customers.