80 Tasting Notes
Trying this one again this evening… There isn’t the opening tang of bergamot present but what I do find as I smell the dried leaves is a berry or dark cherry perhaps? I’m not one for the caramel note but I am secure in the soothing characteristics of vanilla.
I let it steep for 4.5 to 5 minutes as I was desirous of a dark tea this evening. Feeling overwhelmed at the moment and moody… this might fit the bill. The addition of milk was a perfect touch and yet it doesn’t mask the bergamot and citrus notes fully.
There is much to say on this cup but I will leave off for the moment. The grumpies have got me and if I smoked tonight would be a two cigarette or fine cigar sort of night. I mean it no injustice as this is a very handsome tea. Ciao
Preparation
This tea follows in the suit of Earl Grey French Blue except not as boldly spiced. The Bergamot is clearly there but adds a subtle depth to the tea and is no where as overbearing in this composition. The addition of cornflower and rose provide a sweet visual distraction to the collage of black tea.
There is a soothing tone to this tea which bares a similarity to my adored The de Paques. Not in the way that the vanilla and citrus woo one into taking another cup but in its warm familiarity which would pair well with any number of guest, reverie of solitude or delectable tid-bit or treat.
While I enjoy this tea I find it a bit ho-hum after the encounter with Narcisse’s smoky quality. I would place this tea in the “safe to grab on a tea day when not sure what to drink and to timid to go exploring” category. It will soon become my “Safety Tea” (or Saftea) of choice.
