Earl Grey vs Lady Grey: What's the Difference?
Teatentional
Earl Grey and Lady Grey sit side by side on many tea shelves, and the names make them sound like a matched pair. They are related, but they are not the same tea. If you love one, there is a good chance you will like the other. Here is how to tell them apart.
What Is Earl Grey?
Earl Grey is black tea flavored with oil of bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit grown mainly in southern Italy. The bergamot gives it a bright, floral, slightly perfumed flavor over a strong black tea base. It is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, British Prime Minister in the 1830s, though the name only shows up in print decades later. You can read the real story in British Tea Culture.
What Is Lady Grey?
Lady Grey is a modern relative of Earl Grey, created in the late 20th century. It keeps the bergamot but adds more citrus, usually orange and lemon peel, and often flowers like cornflower. The goal was a lighter, gentler cup that would appeal to people who found classic Earl Grey too strong or too perfumed. The name is a nod to the Earl's wife, Mary.
Earl Grey vs Lady Grey at a Glance
- Base: Earl Grey is usually straight black tea. Lady Grey is often a lighter black tea, and some blends mix in green tea.
- Citrus: Earl Grey relies on bergamot alone. Lady Grey adds orange and lemon.
- Flavor: Earl Grey is bold and fragrant. Lady Grey is softer, brighter and more citrusy.
- Caffeine: Earl Grey usually has a little more, since it is typically all black tea. Lady Grey is often slightly lower, especially with green tea in the blend.
- With milk: Earl Grey takes milk well and makes a great latte. Lady Grey is usually best plain or with a slice of lemon.
- History: Earl Grey dates to the 1800s. Lady Grey is a modern blend.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Earl Grey if you like a strong, aromatic black tea, want something that stands up to milk, or love an Earl Grey latte.
- Choose Lady Grey if you find Earl Grey too strong or too floral, want a brighter citrus cup, or prefer lighter tea in the afternoon.
How to Brew Them
- Earl Grey: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of water at about 205 to 212°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Add milk and honey for a latte.
- Lady Grey: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz at about 195 to 205°F for 3 to 4 minutes. A little cooler water keeps green tea in the blend from turning bitter.
Both make excellent iced tea, too. Brew double strength and pour over ice. See The Best Teas for Iced Tea.
On a gray Portland afternoon, either one makes a good companion. Earl Grey for when you need a lift, Lady Grey for when you want something brighter.
Our Grey Teas
Lux Lady Grey
Our Lady Grey blends black tea and jasmine green tea with orange pieces, rose petals, lemongrass, cornflower petals, oil of bergamot and lemon oil. Floral, bright and lightly citrusy.
Earl Grey Cream Pu'erh
A smooth twist on Earl Grey: earthy pu'erh with cornflowers and a bergamot cream flavor. Excellent as a latte.
Citrus Blend Tea
Black tea with bergamot, tangerine, orange, lemongrass and hibiscus, a fruit-forward cousin of both.
Steep intentionally. Sip with intention.
Related Reading
Read British Tea Culture: How Tea Became Britain's Drink, English vs Irish Breakfast Tea and The History of Tea.
