"The emperor beckoned for me to sit down, and I was presented with a steaming cup of tea. As I sipped, I was overcome by a feeling of tranquility, induced by the tea's beguiling fragrance and flavour. My delight must have been apparent, as the emperor looked pleased and said, 'We have created this tea in honour of your friendship. Based on an ancient recipe, it bestows peace upon those who drink it.'" - Charles the Earl of Grey, 1834

Whether there ever was a real Earl of Grey who drank tea, especially this blend, is subject to debate. However, what we do know is that the Earl Grey blend is named after the second Earl Grey, the British Prime Minister in the 1830s who sold Chinese tea under the brand name of "Earl Grey Tea."