In a nutshell: Organic Blue Earl Grey, an Assam black tea scented with bergamot and scattered with cornflower petals. Brewing: 12–15 g/L, 100°C, 3 to 5 minutes. A round, floral, zesty cup, perfect for the morning.
Our Blue Earl Grey is a modern reinterpretation of the beloved classic. We chose an organically grown Assam black tea from southern India, pairing it with a natural bergamot aroma and generous royal cornflower petals. The result is an open, luminous infusion where the warmth of black tea meets the bright, zesty freshness of citrus.
The vivid blue of the cornflower petals gives this blend its instantly recognisable visual signature. Beyond aesthetics, these flowers add a delicate floral note that softens the peppery edge of the bergamot. An elegant creation, waiting to be explored alongside all our black teas.
The Aromatic Profile of Blue Earl Grey
This scented black tea unfolds a rich, structured aromatic palette. The moment you open the caddy, the nose is greeted by the bright freshness of bergamot, a Mediterranean citrus with zesty, faintly peppery notes. This is the historic hallmark of Earl Grey, here elevated by a quality base.
Top notes: lively, zesty bergamot, citrus freshness, a hint of pepper that awakens the palate.
Heart notes: the malty roundness of Assam black tea, the gentle sweetness of cornflower, a balance between strength and delicacy.
Base notes: a full, tannic finish, an elegant lingering bergamot with no bitterness.
The southern Indian Assam provides a solid, full-bodied foundation, perfectly suited to carrying the intensity of the bergamot. Where some Earl Greys feel flat or overly perfumed, our organic Blue Earl Grey finds its balance: the black tea speaks clearly, the bergamot sings at the surface, and the cornflower petals add a subtle floral dimension that extends the experience.
A blend that is regal in the truest sense: generous, expansive, refined. If you love our classic Earl Grey selection, this revisited version will win you over with its added floral depth. For a different character, take a look at our orange black tea, brighter and fruitier.
How to Brew Blue Earl Grey
Brewing this scented black tea follows the classic black tea approach, with a few refinements to preserve the delicacy of the bergamot. Here are the parameters we recommend.
Quantity: use 12 to 15 grams of leaves per litre of water, roughly one heaped tablespoon per 250 ml cup. A generous measure that allows the Assam to express itself fully.
Water temperature: bring your water to a full boil at 100°C. Black tea handles this heat well, releasing its malty aromas and the aromatic compounds of the bergamot.
Steeping time: steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preference. Three minutes yields a more delicate cup where the bergamot takes centre stage; five minutes produces a fuller, more tannic character. Beyond that, bitterness may creep in.
Water and accessories: opt for low-mineral water, which respects the subtlety of the aromas. A porcelain or glass teapot is ideal; avoid cast iron, which can mute the floral notes. A wide-mesh infuser allows the leaves to unfurl and release their full aromatic richness.
This tea is lovely on its own, letting the blend speak for itself, or with a splash of milk for a classic British-style cup. A few drops of lemon brighten the citrus dimension. Ideal in the morning for an invigorating start, or mid-afternoon as an elegant alternative to coffee. You might also enjoy our green tea vs. black tea guide to help choose the right cup for the moment.
Storage
Packaged in our workshop, this scented black tea keeps best in its original caddy, sealed tightly after each use. Store it away from light, moisture, and heat, and keep it well away from strong-smelling products that could affect the freshness of the bergamot. Under these conditions, the blend retains its aromatic profile for up to 24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blue Earl Grey?
Blue Earl Grey is an elegant take on the classic Earl Grey. It combines a scented black tea with a natural bergamot aroma and royal cornflower petals, which give it its distinctive blue visual signature. Our version uses an organic Assam from southern India for a round, floral cup.
How do you brew Blue Earl Grey?
Use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre of water brought to 100°C. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your preferred strength. Enjoy it plain, with a splash of milk, or a squeeze of lemon, in the morning or mid-afternoon.
Where can I buy Blue Earl Grey?
We offer this blend as a loose-leaf tea, selected and packaged in our own workshop. You can find it in our collection of organic black teas, alongside the black teas our experts recommend.
What are the benefits of Blue Earl Grey?
Beyond its aromatic profile, this black tea is appreciated for the mindful pause it invites. To learn more about what this style of tea can bring to your daily routine, feel free to read more about black tea.
What is the history of Blue Earl Grey?
The original Earl Grey takes its name from Charles Grey, British Prime Minister in the 19th century. The Blue version is a modern creation that adds cornflower petals to the classic recipe. Our Blue Earl Grey honours this tradition while embracing an organic, artisanal approach rooted in the expertise of Julien Huot. To continue your exploration, why not try our Mathaouri black tea as well.
