50 Shades of Earl Grey

$ 13.99


According to the Grey family, the tea was specially blended by a Chinese mandarin for Lord Grey, to suit the water at Howick Hall, the family seat in Northumberland, using bergamot in particular to offset the preponderance of lime in the local water. Lady Grey used it to entertain in London as a political hostess.  Earl Grey was one time Prime Minister of England in the 1800’s, and had a colourful personal history, especially with the ladies.

Could he have been the inspiration for Fifty Shades?

An overwhelming Bergamot aroma that portends an unbelievable taste.
We have been told repeatedly: "This is the best Earl Grey I have ever tasted!"

INFORMATION:
Traditionally Earl Grey was a blend of Chinese and Indian teas scented with oil from the citrus bergamot fruit - a sort of orange. Stories about the origins of Earl Grey are numerous. One such tale tells how a British diplomat on a mission to China saved the life of a Mandarin. As a gift of gratitude, the diplomat was given the recipe for this flavored tea. Upon his return to Britain, the diplomat presented the tea to the Prime Minister of the day, Earl Grey. Another story says it was the Prime Minister himself who saved the Mandarin. In any event it was the Prime Minister of England (1830-1834) Earl Grey who made this tea fashionable. And being naughty and British, we made our a little more fun by naming it “Fifty Shades of Earl Grey" after Jamie Dornan’s unforgettable character Christian Grey.

What type of tea do we use, how do we flavor the tea and why do we use natural flavors?
Firstly... we only use high grown teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka - Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva. These three high-grown districts produce flavorful teas that have classic 'Ceylon' tea character which is noted by floral bouquet and flavor notes, touches of mild astringency, bright coppery color and, most importantly - perfect for use as the base tea of our flavored teas. (We have tested teas from various other origins around the world as base stock for our flavored teas, but none of these teas made the grade.) Dimbula and the western estates of Nuwara Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb, whereas Uva and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have their peak in July/Aug. This 'dual peak period' allow us to buy the best for our flavored tea blends several times during the year, ensuring top quality and freshness.
Secondly... we use flavoring oils not crystals to give the tea drinker an olfactory holiday before indulging in a liquid tea treat.
Thirdly. we specify natural flavors. High quality tea tastes good and natural flavors do not mask the natural taste of the high grown Ceylon tea. (The norm for many making flavored tea is to use overpowering artificial flavors, which can be used to hide lower quality tea). Natural flavors do not leave an aftertaste giving the tea a clean and true character. It should be noted that natural flavors tend to be somewhat 'soft ' and the flavors slightly muted, but for many this is a refreshing change and one of the desired attributes of our naturally flavored teas.

INGREDIENTS: Black tea, Cornflower petals, Natural flavors (Organic Compliant).
INGREDIENTS FROM: Sri Lanka / Albania
REGION(S): Nuwara Eliya + Dimbula + Uva / Tirana
GROWING ALTITUDES: 4000 - 8500 feet above sea level
GRADE(S): OP (Orange Pekoe)
MANUFACTURE TYPE(S): Orthodox (Traditional leafy)
ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: High
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
KOSHER: Yes
VEGETARIAN: Yes
VEGAN: Yes
INFUSION: Bright and coppery


Contents: 18 pyramid tea bags to make 36 splendid cups of tea.

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