One of the teas to which I always return (though other tastes and fads may come and go), is Earl Grey, with whom I am so familiar that I often refer to him as “EG”. Legend has it that one of the Earls Grey, while stationed near a tea-growing-&-drinking area, saved someone’s life & was rewarded with the recipe which is: a blend of harsh black tea (like an Assam) with milder black tea (e.g. a Ceylon…couldn’t resist) and a hint of bergamot (berg-a-moe) essence. There are many problems with the story, mostly relating to the nationality of the grateful drownee vis a vis the nationality of the tea, but the bergamot is a citrus native to Italy, so who knows where this really came from.

What is certain is that it is an English staple and if you want an example of classic EG, hie yourself to Cost Plus and check it out by Twinings. Twinings also has a wonderful riff on the theme in their Lady Grey, which has more mild black and less harsh black in addition to cornflowers (?) and citrus flavorings besides bergamot. She is worth a try as well.

There must be something about the staple-hood of EG that makes it so open to interpretations. Just about every tea manufacturer worth its salt has at least EG, if not two. Republic of Tea’s Earl Greyer has more harsh black tea and a very strong bergamot flavor. Harney & Sons has “Winter White” EG which is intriguing. Teavana’s Earl Grey is similar to the classic, Earl Grey Creme has vanilla tones, and Mrs. Earl Grey not worth mentioning.

My current favorite is a Persian blend of mild black teas. I sweeten it by adding a bit of honey to the pot before I pour hot water over it (evens the sweetening for each cup).

I like EG in the morning, as a pick-me up before I face the day (often while I catch up on the news online); the citrus of the bergamot is a wonderful complement to the caffeine of the tea. Together, they make for a great start.