Earl Grey tea and Bergamot oil

The breakfast teas "Earl Grey" and "Lady Grey" contain Bergamot oil. Bergamot oil comes from the Bergamot orange, an Italian variety grown solely for its extract - the fruit body is not usually consumed. It is used to make things flavorful and fragrantful, and I think you'll agree that it does a good job of that.

However, you can not ferment kombucha in teas that contain Bergamot oil - like other essential oils, it is a weak preservative. Kombucha brewed with Earl or Lady Grey tea will result in an incomplete ferment and an enfeebled culture.