Earl Grey Tea — Ceylon OP with Bergamot & Cornflowers

Type: Black tea  |  Caffeine: Yes  |  3oz loose leaf
Contains: Ceylon OP, bergamot essential oil, blue cornflowers
Cup: Orange, floral, malt — high astringency, full bodied, medium sweetness

Earl Grey is bergamot on black tea, and the difference between a good one and a bad one is entirely in what's underneath.

Ours sits on Ceylon OP — Orange Pekoe grade, whole leaf, with the body to carry the bergamot rather than be flattened by it. Real bergamot essential oil, not flavouring, and blue cornflowers through the leaf.

The result is proper Earl Grey: orange and floral on top, malt underneath, and enough astringency to feel like tea rather than perfume.

Brew it: 195°F, 5–10 minutes, about 2.5g per 12oz of water. Excellent plain, and takes milk and sugar without falling apart.

Pairs with: a slow afternoon and something with good sentences in it.