The Timeless Experience Of Bigelow Tea Earl Grey
Earl Grey tea, as one of the most world-famous blends, is known for its distinctive flavor and rich history. At Bigelow Tea, we take great pride in producing the #1 Earl Grey tea in the United States. Each ingredient has been carefully selected by the Bigelow family to deliver an uncompromised quality tea experience. Let’s learn a little bit more about this bold yet distinctive black tea flavor.
Who Was Earl Grey?
The origins of Earl Grey tea are as intriguing as its taste. The tea has been linked to various legends. Historians are unsure of the tea’s direct tie to its namesake, British Prime Minister Charles Grey, the second Earl of Grey (1764-1845). One popular theory suggests that Grey received a special tea blend from a Chinese diplomat as a token of gratitude after Grey saved the man’s son from drowning. Another story points to the idea that the addition of bergamot oil was found as a solution to the taste of hard water at Grey’s estate, creating a natural association to the flavor and name. While the true origin remains unclear, the tea became a staple in British households and beyond.
What Makes Bigelow Tea’s Earl Grey Special?
At Bigelow Tea, only the highest quality ingredients are chosen by the Bigelow Family because, as third-generation president and CEO, Cindi Bigelow says, “there is no compromising on quality, ever.” Our Earl Grey stands out due to the key ingredient providing its signature taste, pure oil of bergamot. This citrus oil comes from bergamot fruit grown in Calabria, Italy. Bigelow Tea proudly sources 100% of the coveted first cold pressing, the highest-quality oil available, ensuring the finest flavor in every cup.
The Bigelow family’s commitment to craft an Earl Grey blend unlike any other began in the early 1970’s. Their search for the perfect bergamot led them to a family-owned orchard in Calabria, which is home to 80% of the world’s citrus bergamot fruit where our partners have perfected the art of producing the purest, highest-quality bergamot oil.
More than 40 years later, the Bigelow family continues to collaborate with the same third-generation family farm, where traditional growing methods have been passed down through the years. These expert farmers carefully harvest bergamot at peak ripeness, ensuring that every fruit is processed with precision to maintain its delicate integrity. This effort elicits the invigorating aroma and bright citrus flavor experienced in every cup.
A balance of culinary art and science, this meticulous process requires impeccable timing and skill to preserve the fruit’s rich flavor, protect its subtle nuances, and harmonize the more than 100 natural flavor components found in the fruit.
The result? A refined, yet bold, black tea highlighted by bright and fragrant citrus notes that is a true experience every time as Bigelow Earl Grey tea (and Star Trek) fan David notes in his review below:
“I tried Earl Grey thanks to Captain Picard from Star Trek. He always asks for "Tea. Earl Grey. Hot". So, I bought this once, curious about it. Turns out, there is a reason Picard is the best Captain. This tea is delightful as heck! Since then, I have tried many brands, even famed blends from England. Nothing compares to Bigelow. This still is the best and I firmly believe it is because of the Bergamot farm they partner with in Calabria, Italy. First thing I do when opening the foil packet is shove that tea bag right to my nose and inhale. It's so good. You don't need to be fancy with it! Hot water. Tea bag. A tiny bit of sugar if you like but it’s just so good without too. Give this stuff a try.”
A Family Tradition of Excellence
Bigelow Tea is a third-generation family and women-owned and operated business that has been crafting premium teas for 80 years. Under Cindi Bigelow’s leadership, the company continues its legacy of quality and innovation. Committed to preserving her family's tea recipes, Cindi has traveled the world to source the finest quality ingredients. Bigelow Earl Grey is a perfect example of this dedication, ensuring every cup delivers exceptional flavor. With over 150 varieties of tea, Bigelow Tea remains devoted to producing the highest-quality blends for tea lovers everywhere.
Sip and Savor the Best Earl Grey Tea
Bigelow Tea’s Earl Grey is a favorite among tea enthusiasts for its bold and aromatic flavor with distinctive flavors like Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Black Tea and Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Green Tea. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, this timeless tea continues to captivate generations of tea drinkers. Be prepared to taste the difference that passion and quality make with our selection of Bigelow Tea Earl Grey teas.