Discovering Gryphon Tea Company’s Earl Grey in Singapore

July 2, 2026 | Maria Tan

A refined afternoon tea setup is elegantly arranged on a polished wooden table. In the center foreground sits a delicate white porcelain teacup filled with clear amber tea, resting on a matching saucer featuring an ornate navy blue and gold patterned rim with a gilded edge; the front of the teacup is emblazoned with a prominent gold griffin emblem. To the left of the cup, a square, pastel pink tea box from "Gryphon Singapore" stands upright, clearly labeled "Pearl of the Orient" with an illustration of flowering pink roses on its lower half. To the right, a large, rounded ceramic teapot in a soft, pale celadon green completes the tea service. The blurred background features a warm interior with a classic wooden chair on the left and a row of vibrantly colored, assorted tea boxes neatly displayed along a shelf in front of large windows that let in soft light and offer a glimpse of green trees outside.

I recently tried the Earl Grey from Gryphon Tea Company Singapore, and I have to admit, it surprised me. Not because it was flawless—it wasn’t, but because it felt like a tea that knew exactly what it wanted to be.

The aroma is the first thing that hits you. Bergamot is present but subtle, not the overpowering scent you sometimes encounter in commercial blends. It invites you to pause, to inhale slowly, and anticipate the flavour without shouting at you.

Brewing the tea is effortless. The leaves unfurl gracefully in hot water, releasing a dark, amber liquor that feels almost like a warm invitation. There is a gentle brightness to the taste, a floral note that lingers just long enough without becoming cloying. It is the kind of tea that encourages slow sipping, maybe even a second cup, because it feels worth the time.

What I appreciated most was the balance. The tea is neither too bold nor too timid. The bergamot complements the black tea base rather than dominating it. You notice the subtleties, a hint of citrus, a touch of briskness, but they are all in harmony. It reminded me why Earl Grey has endured as a classic: simplicity, elegance, and a touch of personality.

Of course, this tea will not convert someone who dislikes Earl Grey. It is still distinctly bergamot, still a black tea, still carrying its own character. But for those who enjoy a thoughtful cup of tea, it feels carefully considered, almost conversational in the way it unfolds with each sip.

In a city where tea options are abundant yet often fleeting in character, Gryphon Tea Company’s Earl Grey feels like a quiet reminder that the right blend can make even a familiar tea feel special. It is not flashy. It does not demand attention. It simply rewards those who are willing to slow down and notice.

For me, it was a moment of reflection. A reminder that the right cup of tea can be both comforting and quietly inspiring.

— Maria Tan

On tea, culture, and everyday rituals.

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