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derk drank Macaron Cassis Violette by Dammann Frères

1546 tasting notes

Another 100g gone mostly to iced tea; this is only my second cup hot.

This tea is clearly flavored to play on the character of Chinese sencha. Forward note of winey-catpissy black currant joined with a cool, subtle note of CHowards violet candies (I wouldn’t say this is a floral tea). These mix well with a touch of bitter almond and the toasty, pastry-like note of the Chinese sencha. I do think about macarons. There is also a bright and tangy quality like a glass of white wine. That sunniness combined with the grassy, slightly bitter and earthy quality of the green tea really connects with the black currant and violet in a way that conjures the feeling of having tea in a garden. This is a pleasant, delicately flavored experience in a cup.

Flavors: Alkaline, Black Currant, Cut Grass, Drying, Earthy, Fruity, Grassy, Juicy, Marzipan, Pastries, Tangy, Toasty, Violet, White Wine

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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. And thus I step away.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile. Terpene fiend.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, Nepal and Darjeeling. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possess off flavors/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s pu’er, I likely think it needs more age.

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