ORIGIN & SOURCING:

Black Tea: Satemwa Estate, Shire Highlands, Malawi—one of Africa’s oldest tea estates, family-owned and sustainably managed. Direct Trade sourcing ensures fair prices set by the farmers themselves.

Bergamot Oil: Pure bergamot from Calabria, Italy—the citrus-growing region renowned for producing the world’s finest bergamot.

Grown without herbicides or pesticides. All ingredients are fairly traded and directly sourced by Rare Tea Company.

ABOUT SATEMWA ESTATE:

Located in Malawi’s Shire Highlands, Satemwa is a pioneering estate committed to sustainable agriculture, fair labour practices, and community development. Their single-estate teas offer exceptional quality with full traceability—you know exactly where your tea comes from and who grew it.

WHY THIS EARL GREY IS DIFFERENT:

Most commercial Earl Grey teas use synthetic bergamot flavouring or low-grade tea masked by artificial additives. This Earl Grey uses only pure Calabrian bergamot oil—the authentic citrus essence that gives Earl Grey its distinctive character—combined with high-quality Malawian black tea that can stand on its own. The result is a naturally balanced cup where both the tea and the bergamot shine.

ABOUT RARE TEA COMPANY:

Founded in 2004 by Henrietta Lovell (The Tea Lady) to source and supply the world’s finest teas directly from farmers and their tea gardens. Based in London, the company works exclusively with farms practicing sustainable methods and fair treatment of workers. Their packaging is free from bleaches, glue, and microplastics.

RARE CHARITY:

A percentage of all tea sales goes directly to Rare Charity (rarecharity.com), supporting educational scholarships on partner farms—implementing social change through education.

PHILOSOPHY:

“Our ambitions go beyond organic and sustainable to a regenerative future for both the land and tea communities.” By working directly with farmers and paying fair prices, Rare Tea Company ensures economic sustainability alongside environmental stewardship.

TASTING NOTES:

Full-bodied and rich with robust black tea character balanced by heady, authentic citrus notes from real Calabrian bergamot. The Malawian tea provides a smooth, malty base with natural sweetness and depth, while the bergamot adds bright, floral citrus complexity without overwhelming. Clean finish with lingering bergamot aroma. Brews to a rich amber-red liquor.

PERFECT FOR:

Traditional British afternoon tea, morning refreshment, pairing with breakfast pastries or scones, enjoying with citrus desserts, or serving to guests who appreciate classic tea done exceptionally well. The versatility makes it suitable for both milk-drinkers and those who prefer black tea.

THE EARL GREY STORY:

Named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, British Prime Minister in the 1830s. Legend suggests the blend was created to offset the lime flavour in the water at his estate, Howick Hall. The addition of bergamot—a citrus fruit grown almost exclusively in Calabria—became the defining characteristic of this beloved British tea blend.

WHY CALABRIAN BERGAMOT:

Calabria, Italy, produces 90% of the world’s bergamot. The unique microclimate—Mediterranean breezes, volcanic soil, and precise growing conditions—creates bergamot with unmatched aromatic intensity and complexity. This is the same bergamot used in fine perfumery and traditional Earl Grey for centuries.

STORAGE: Store in the tin in a cool, dry place away from strong odours and direct sunlight. Once opened, consume within 6 months for optimal freshness. Keep airtight to preserve the delicate bergamot oils.

CERTIFICATIONS: Grown without herbicides or pesticides, Direct Trade, Fair Trade, supports Rare Charity