Why earl grey tea is called grey?

The name "Earl Grey" comes from Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. According to legend, Grey was given a gift of tea from a Chinese mandarin, who had been grateful for Grey's help in preventing the British East India Company from monopolizing the tea trade in China. The tea was flavoured with bergamot oil, which gave it a distinctive citrusy aroma and flavor. Grey was so impressed with the tea that he began drinking it regularly, and it soon became popular among his friends and colleagues. Eventually, the tea became known as "Earl Grey" in honor of its patron.

Another possible explanation for the name "Earl Grey" is that it was originally a blend of Chinese black tea and Lapsang Souchong, a black tea that is smoked over pine needles. The smokiness of the Lapsang Souchong was said to resemble the color of the Earl of Grey's horse, which was a dark grey.

Whatever the true origin of the name, Earl Grey tea is now one of the most popular teas in the world. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures, and it is often considered to be the quintessential British tea.