What is Earl Grey tea?
Earl Grey is a black tea flavored with oil of bergamot, a small citrus fruit. The bergamot gives the tea a bright, floral-citrus aroma that’s instantly recognizable — lighter and more perfumed than straight black tea, with a refreshing citrus twist.
How do you pronounce "Earl Grey"?
Simple: say it as "Earl Gray" (sounds like "erl gray"). The two words are short and stress falls naturally on the first syllable of each.
Can you drink Earl Grey with milk?
Yes — many people add a splash of milk to Earl Grey, especially in the UK. Milk softens the tannins in the black tea and can make the bergamot aroma feel rounder and less sharp. That said, the floral-citrus notes are most pronounced when the tea is drunk plain or with just a touch of lemon or honey.
Where can I buy Earl Grey tea?
Earl Grey is widely available: from supermarket brands to specialty tea companies. Well-known providers include Twinings and other tea houses, and independent specialty tea shops often sell loose-leaf Earl Grey for a fresher, more aromatic experience. For a beer that actually uses real Earl Grey leaves in the brew, check craft breweries and specialty beer shops — those labels will note the tea addition on the can or menu.
Is Earl Grey similar to Darjeeling?
They’re both black teas but quite different. Darjeeling is typically lighter, more muscatel and floral with a delicate finish; Earl Grey is defined by the added bergamot oil, giving it a pronounced citrusy-floral scent. Darjeeling stands alone for its terroir-driven nuance, while Earl Grey is a flavored blend built around bergamot.
How does Earl Grey work in beer (like an Earl Grey IPA)?
Tea additions in beer are all about complementary aromatics. Bergamot’s citrusy, floral perfume pairs well with hop varieties that emphasize tropical and citrus notes. In an Earl Grey IPA, the hops provide the resinous, tropical backbone while the real tea leaves add a refined bergamot lift and subtle tannic structure. Brewers may add the tea late in the boil or during conditioning to preserve aroma without extracting too much bitterness.
Tasting notes you can expect
- Citrus-forward aroma with bergamot and tropical hop esters
- Fresh citrus and light floral top notes on the nose
- Medium body with a crisp, hop-driven bitterness
- Subtle tea tannins that give a dry, slightly astringent finish
Food pairings and serving suggestions
- Spicy Asian dishes — bergamot and hops cut through heat
- Citrus or almond desserts — mirror the bergamot and malt sweetness
- Mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert — creaminess balances the beer’s brightness
- Serve slightly chilled (around 6–8°C) to emphasize aroma while keeping the refreshing bitterness
Why try an Earl Grey IPA?
If you enjoy aromatic, hop-forward beers with a twist, an Earl Grey IPA offers a unique meeting of British tea tradition and American IPA character. The bergamot lifts the tropical hop profile and adds an elegant citrus perfume — a novel experience for both tea lovers and craft-beer fans. For a ready-made example that blends real Earl Grey leaves with bright American hops, consider trying .
Quick tips before you taste
- Smell before sipping — the bergamot aroma is part of the experience.
- Take small sips to notice how tea tannins and hop bitterness interact.
- Pair with contrasting flavors (spicy, salty) to highlight different notes.
Whether you’re curious about tea in beer or a longtime IPA fan, an Earl Grey IPA is a creative, approachable way to explore new aromatic combinations.
