Traditionally Earl Grey was made from light flavoured black teas such as Chinese Keemun and therefore intended to be drunk without milk. The Earl Grey blend is assumed to be named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, British Prime Minister in the 1830’s and author of the Reform Bill of 1832 and the Slavery Abolition act of 1833.
According to the Grey family the tea was specially blended by a Chinese Mandarin for Lord Grey to suit the water at Howick Hall in Northumberland using Bergamot to set the preponderance of lime in local water. Lady Grey used to entertain in London as a political hostess and traditionally added a slice of lemon or sometimes orange to the tea.
There are many versions of the origins and our blend is inspired both by the tradition of adding citrus to the blend and naval practice of flavouring their tea with local produce. Admiral Grey is easy to drink, citrusy and fresh with exotic Caribbean notes.