Last Updated : 26 July 2010 at 23:55 IST

Why you need to taste Earl Grey tea?

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TEXAS, USA (Commodity Online): Although tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, behind water, many enthusiasts limit consumption to plain varieties. Few realize that Earl Grey is the second most popular type and the number one flavored variety. teadog.com, an Internet retailer, offers the largest selection of Earl Grey tea from brands around the world.

Earl Grey is traditionally a black tea flavored with bergamot, which is a small, pear-shaped sour orange that has a citrus flavor. Today, even green, white and herbal varieties are available in the flavor.

Many enthusiasts are unfamiliar with the large number of companies offering Earl Grey. These international brands offer high-quality varieties easily available in the USA.

With full-bodied taste, Irish teas are increasingly popular. Consumers will really enjoy an Earl Grey from Barrys Tea of Ireland. Barrys produces a range of high-quality black teas. Barrys Earl Grey is full of taste.

Bewleys Tea is another brand from Ireland that offers an Earl Grey. Available in bags, this variety is again for those that like full-bodied flavor.

Dilmah from Sri Lanka makes single-origin Ceylon teas that are unfamiliar to most people. The company offers different varieties of Earl Grey in bags and loose. Dilmah start with a strong Ceylon tea and then adds a bergamot with a floral flavor.

For a Russian version, try Kusmi Tea, also known as Kousmichoff. Kusmi offers a unique Smoked Earl Grey. Dating back to 1867 Russia, Kusmi offers a change from the standard English tea drinking experience. Kusmi still comes in the distinctive pre-Bolshevik Russian Revolution packaging.

A familiar name to connoisseurs, Taylors of Harrogate is one of the last independent family tea businesses in the United Kingdom. Unlike most other brands, Taylors makes a decaffeinated version for those who want a caffeine-free variety.

A familiar brand, Twinings, according to legend, produced the first version Earl Grey. Twinings also makes Lady Grey, which has a more subtle flavor.

Other unique makers of Earl Grey include Melrose Tea and Madura Tea. Melrose makes a Scottish variety in the Scottish tradition. Madura produces an Australian version.