CREAM EARL GERY

Most of us know the backstory of Earl Grey tea by now. A Chinese Mandarin saved the Earl of Grey’s life many years ago and as thanks gave him the renowned recipe. The natural oil of bergamot, a tiny citrus fruit, was traditionally used to flavour a Chinese black tea. A lot of us drink Cream Earl Grey Tea, but few of us know where it came from. It’s often believed that Albert Henry George Grey, the 4th Earl Grey, was honoured with the name “Cream Earl Green,” while the 2nd Earl Grey was the inspiration for the name “traditional Earl Grey.” British gentleman best described Albert Henry George. He initially attended Harrow, one of the best boarding schools in the United Kingdom, and then moved on to Trinity College, Cambridge, a prestigious institution known more for its emphasis on academics than on athletics. All reports agree that the fourth Earl was an exceptional individual.

Intrigued by literature and the arts rather than athletics, and he did much to encourage literature and the arts among the people of the colony of Canada when he became the Queen’s ambassador there. Strange, therefore, that the Canadian equivalent of the Super Bowl—the Grey Cup—should be named after the fourth Earl of Grey. You’re right, it’s not that strange. The Earl wanted to leave a lasting legacy, so he gave his family’s bowl to a sporting competition rather of having his name engraved on a building like a theatre or library. Thus, the Grey Cup trophy was formed.

The Earl and the tale are set up, but where does the tea come into play? Well, at some time, a Canadian tea blender decided to take a step farther in memorializing the Earl by making a version of classic Earl Grey tea. To represent both the grass that football is played on and the thunder and vigour with which it is played, he started with a green gunpowder. The 4th Earl likes his tea with a dash of bergamot and a touch of fresh cream, so he gave it just that. The final mug was deemed quite tasty and energizing. As you may imagine, we couldn’t be happier to have finally found a reliable source of this superb mixture. We hope you’ll toast its pleasure with us. Cheers to the 4th Earl Grey of football!

It’s the cool thing to do Hoorah!