Flavory ・ Earl Grey
Earl Grey
Aromatic with bergamot (citrus). The most famous flavored tea.
- Leaf
- China, Ceylon, etc.
- Liquor color
- Dark Orange
- How to enjoy
- Best enjoyed as straight tea or iced tea.
About Earl Grey
Earl Grey is the world's most famous flavored tea, infused with the scent of bergamot (citrus). It is said to be named after the 19th-century British Prime Minister, Earl Grey, and there are various theories surrounding its origin. The base tea leaves can include Keemun, Ceylon, and others. It pairs well not only as a straight tea but also as iced tea and in baking.
How to brew
Good tea comes down to three basics: the amount of leaves, fresh boiling water, and steeping time. Use about one teaspoon (3g) of leaves per cup, pour freshly boiled water at 95–100°C briskly over them, put the lid on the pot, and steep for 2.5–3 minutes. When the leaves circulate up and down in the pot (the 'jumping' effect), the aroma and flavor come out well.
- As a straight tea
- Enjoy the tea's natural aroma and liquor color. Steep for about 2.5–3 minutes; shorten it slightly if you find it too astringent. Pour out to the very last drop (the 'best drop') so the second cup keeps the same strength.
- As iced tea
- Brew strong with double the leaves, then pour all at once over a glass full of ice to chill it rapidly (the on-the-rocks method). Quick chilling prevents 'cream down' (the cloudiness that forms when tea cools) for a clear result.
A general guide to brewing black tea. Adjust to the tea and your taste.