BOH Earl Grey Teabag Sachet (20’s)
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Flavourful and aromatic
Aromatic with a distinct citrus flavour, this classic black tea blend is scented with a hint of bergamot. A truly refreshing tea.
Earl Grey and English Breakfast are two of the most recognisable black teas in the world. Both are popular choices for morning routines, afternoon tea breaks, and comforting cups throughout the day. Yet despite their similarities, they offer very different tea-drinking experiences.
If you have ever wondered whether Earl Grey and English Breakfast are the same tea, the short answer is no. While both are black tea blends, they differ in flavour, aroma, ingredients, and how they are traditionally enjoyed.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the right tea for your mood, taste preferences, or even the time of day.
What Is Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey is a black tea blend flavoured with bergamot oil, a fragrant citrus fruit that gives the tea its signature aroma and taste.
The tea is often described as bright, floral, citrusy, and refreshing. The bergamot adds a distinctive layer of flavour that sets Earl Grey apart from standard black teas.
Some Earl Grey blends are light and delicate, while others are bold and aromatic depending on the black tea base used.
For tea drinkers who enjoy fragrant teas with a slightly elegant character, Earl Grey is often a favourite choice.
BOH’s Earl Grey offering combines the richness of black tea with citrus notes for a smooth and aromatic cup.
BOH Earl Grey Teabag Sachet (20’s)
BOH Seri Songket Earl Grey With Tangerine Teabag Sachet (20’s)
This twist to a celebrated classic blend infuses the tangy fresh taste of the Tangerine to create a tea that is sophisticated and crisp.
What Is English Breakfast Tea?
English Breakfast tea is a robust black tea blend traditionally designed to pair well with a hearty breakfast.
Unlike Earl Grey, English Breakfast tea is not flavoured with citrus oils or added aromas. Instead, it focuses on delivering a full-bodied, rich, and malty black tea taste.
Many English Breakfast blends combine teas from regions such as Assam, Ceylon, or Kenya to create a strong and balanced cup.
Because of its bold profile, English Breakfast tea is commonly enjoyed with milk and sugar.
Tea drinkers who prefer classic black tea flavours often gravitate towards English Breakfast tea for its strength and versatility.
You can explore BOH’s English Breakfast blend here:
BOH English Breakfast Teabag Sachet (20’s)
Recharge your day with this classic full-bodied strong black tea blend. Excellent with milk.
Earl Grey vs English Breakfast: Main Differences
The biggest difference between Earl Grey and English Breakfast lies in flavour.
Earl Grey has noticeable citrus notes from bergamot, giving it a lighter and more aromatic taste.
English Breakfast, on the other hand, focuses on the natural richness of black tea. It is deeper, stronger, and more robust without citrus flavours.
If you enjoy fragrant teas with a refreshing edge, Earl Grey may suit your palate better. If you prefer bold and comforting tea flavours, English Breakfast is often the preferred option.
To better understand how black teas differ from other tea varieties, you may also enjoy reading What Is The Difference Between Green Tea and Black Tea?
Earl Grey is highly aromatic because of the bergamot oil. The scent is often described as floral, citrusy, and uplifting.
English Breakfast tea has a more traditional tea aroma with earthy, malty, and slightly brisk notes.
The aroma alone is usually enough to tell the two teas apart.
Earl Grey contains:
English Breakfast typically contains:
This simple difference dramatically changes the tea-drinking experience.
If you are interested in exploring more tea varieties and blends, our article on different tea types provides a useful introduction.
Earl Grey is often enjoyed:
English Breakfast is commonly enjoyed:
If you enjoy pairing tea with food, you may also like Tantalising Foods To Serve With Your Tea
Which Tea Is Stronger?
In terms of flavour intensity, English Breakfast is usually considered stronger.
Its bold and malty character is designed to stand up well to milk and hearty meals.
Earl Grey may still be full-bodied, but the bergamot softens the overall drinking experience with floral citrus notes.
If you are looking for a powerful morning cup, English Breakfast is often the traditional choice.
If you prefer something aromatic and refined, Earl Grey may feel more enjoyable.
Which Tea Goes Better with Milk?
English Breakfast is traditionally paired with milk because of its strong black tea base.
Earl Grey can also be enjoyed with milk, though some tea drinkers prefer it plain to preserve the bergamot aroma.
Ultimately, both teas are versatile and can be customised to personal preference.
How to Brew Earl Grey and English Breakfast Tea
Good brewing technique helps bring out the best characteristics of each tea.
For both teas:
Longer steeping produces a stronger and more tannic cup.
For additional brewing guidance, BOH shares several useful tea preparation tips in this article, BOH Tea Tips for Brewing Your Best Cup
Which Tea Should You Choose?
Choose Earl Grey if you enjoy:
Choose English Breakfast if you enjoy:
Many tea lovers enjoy both depending on the occasion.
Your Next Cup Awaits
Earl Grey and English Breakfast may both belong to the black tea family, but they offer distinctly different experiences.
Earl Grey stands out for its fragrant bergamot citrus notes and refined aroma. English Breakfast is known for its strong, rich, and comforting flavour.
Neither is objectively better. The right choice depends on your personal taste, preferred brewing style, and when you plan to enjoy your tea.
For tea enthusiasts, exploring both blends is part of discovering the wide and varied world of tea.
If you are in the mood for some tea check out some of our selection below, or click here to explore our wider selection of teas:
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