earl grey tea is named after its english benefactor, charles earl grey, who lived in politics and for a short time served as prime Minister under King william IV. the unusual flavoring that makes earl grey so special is the oil of bergamot. bergamot comes from the turkish word for "princes pear" and describes a pear shaped citrus that is grown around the Mediterranean. the oil is pressed from the rind and is used for perfume as well as earl grey tea. we take the concentration of this exotic flavor and blend it with mild teas. tHIs tea Is Decaf. this tea is loose leaf and ships with a free tea-ball infuser.