My Third tea, Phenix was chosen largely at random. I had yet to see the english tea book yet, so the only way I would have any guess to a tea's nature was if i had seen a sample of it in the shop room. That particular day I didnt feel like struggling through a conversation of overly polite (i.e difficult) Japanese, so i did not ask the waitress to recommend or comment on any teas. Phenix was an interesting name, and with nothing more to go on I took a gamble.
I was neither wowed nor unhappy with Phénix. It was enjoyable but was 'meh' compared to my previous experiences with Marco Polo and Wedding Imperial. I was so neutral about its flavor and bouquet that I took only minimal notes. Phénix is a decent if uninspiring tea. Its aroma was mellow, its flavors a bit too subtle to really stand out. I could definitely taste caramel and vanilla, but whatever other flavors the blend had were too muted to directly identify. Revisiting the book at website, I learned that Phénix was supposed to be a caramel/vanilla blend with a touch of honey. It was not, however, unpleasant in any way. In retrospect, many teas that attempt a honey flavor often turn out bitter or harsh, so the fact that Phénix was neither may show that I am judging it to harshly. Ah well.
Overall, Phénix gets a middle score from me. It was neither amazing nor awful; right down the middle a mediocre blend from Mariage Freres. Were it a less expensive, I think I would enjoy this tea as a quite relaxing drink. As is, my recommendation would be to save your money and buy a tin of Wedding Imperial if you are looking for a warm caramel tea.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Wedding Impérial
My third tea from Mariage Freres, and the second tea I tried in the cafe, Wedding Imperial was one of several choices of teas boxed in gift sets featuring Marco Polo that i was considering as a second buy for a friend back home. Many milk teas (i.e tea with milk) are sold by the can in Japan, and I had gotten into a habit of drinking vending machine 'Milk Tea Imperial' as a substitute for coffee when my caffeine addiction was at its peak. Perviously, I hated drinking tea with milk, but my tastes have changed considerably and I have become quite fond of the horrid little bottles, especially in the winter when they are dispensed hot right from the machine. Wedding Imperial was the clerk's suggestion to a good milk tea, something i knew my friend would like, and the open tester smelled absolutely wonderful.
Wedding Impérial starts off with an incredible aroma; sweet and soft tea with a perfect amount of chcolate and caramel tones. It is highly remenicent of a good English Breakfast, but the quality of Assam tea used in this blend is obviously much much better than a Twinnings or other premium brand. This was the first time I noticed that a tea was malty without being told before hand.
The actual taste of Wedding Imperial's caramel and chocolate flavors tends to be more subtle then its aroma, something I distinctly like about this tea. By concentrating on taste and not smell, I can relish the smoothness of good Assam without it being overwhelmed by other flavors. However, sipping casually, everything blends together so nicely that I rarely bother to analyze one sense over another. As I mentioned before, Wedding Imperial was recommended as a tea to be taken with milk, something I agree with. It goes well with a light drop of cream and sugar, and doesnt become overpowered or oily like some teas can. I have a tin at home now, and like a pot sweet with a touch of lowfat milk in the morning before work. An excellent tea, one of the best.
Wedding Impérial starts off with an incredible aroma; sweet and soft tea with a perfect amount of chcolate and caramel tones. It is highly remenicent of a good English Breakfast, but the quality of Assam tea used in this blend is obviously much much better than a Twinnings or other premium brand. This was the first time I noticed that a tea was malty without being told before hand.
The actual taste of Wedding Imperial's caramel and chocolate flavors tends to be more subtle then its aroma, something I distinctly like about this tea. By concentrating on taste and not smell, I can relish the smoothness of good Assam without it being overwhelmed by other flavors. However, sipping casually, everything blends together so nicely that I rarely bother to analyze one sense over another. As I mentioned before, Wedding Imperial was recommended as a tea to be taken with milk, something I agree with. It goes well with a light drop of cream and sugar, and doesnt become overpowered or oily like some teas can. I have a tin at home now, and like a pot sweet with a touch of lowfat milk in the morning before work. An excellent tea, one of the best.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Bal Masqué
I was so impressed by The de Paques that I decided to stay and have another pot of something new. One of my original choices for the day was Bal Masques, decribed as a black tea of lavender and vanilla 'masked' by fruit.
The first cup was a rush of fragrance; a beautiful bouquet of lavender and vanilla. It wasn't so strongly lavender that it seemed artifical or perfumy. However, the fruit smell was a bit lacking, and in no way covered the base aromas.
Unfortunatly, my opinion of the tea dropped with the first taste. The lavender flavor and smell overpowered everything else, even the taste of tea. While it had no dryness or bitterness, it also had no other spice or fruit to combate the omnipresent lavender. The very very bottom of the first cup exploded with vanilla, but with the second cup's sugar it was gone. The sugar, increadably, made the tea bitter and so strong I had to hold my nose to finish it. I would definatly call this tea cloying, after a few minutes all I could smell were flowers. Huge, gigantic lavender flowers.
In the end, I didn't finish the pot; the lavender was so stong I couldnt help but think of perfumed soap. After The de Paques, this was a huge disappointment. Perhap it was made too strongly, but I think the lavender is a powerful base of the tea, and a part of its true character. Not a tea I would recommend, except maybe as use for Potpurri.
The first cup was a rush of fragrance; a beautiful bouquet of lavender and vanilla. It wasn't so strongly lavender that it seemed artifical or perfumy. However, the fruit smell was a bit lacking, and in no way covered the base aromas.
Unfortunatly, my opinion of the tea dropped with the first taste. The lavender flavor and smell overpowered everything else, even the taste of tea. While it had no dryness or bitterness, it also had no other spice or fruit to combate the omnipresent lavender. The very very bottom of the first cup exploded with vanilla, but with the second cup's sugar it was gone. The sugar, increadably, made the tea bitter and so strong I had to hold my nose to finish it. I would definatly call this tea cloying, after a few minutes all I could smell were flowers. Huge, gigantic lavender flowers.
In the end, I didn't finish the pot; the lavender was so stong I couldnt help but think of perfumed soap. After The de Paques, this was a huge disappointment. Perhap it was made too strongly, but I think the lavender is a powerful base of the tea, and a part of its true character. Not a tea I would recommend, except maybe as use for Potpurri.
Thé de Pâques
After the previous week's Sur le Nil, I wanted to return to a softer black tea that would go well with milk. The staff in the cafe had begun to give me a copy for the English tea book, so after browsing a bit I decided on Thé de Pâques, which was described as an afternoon tea with vanilla and citrus... an Easter Blend that "evoking the taste of creme brule". A bit pompus but this is a higher end shop, so its not that out of place.
The smell was great; warm and full of spice, but not 'hot' like a chai. Once again the black tea was matched with a floral aroma, but this was neither cloying or overly strong. I couldnt smell any citrus, but the overall tea base remined me strongly of a Chinese blend. For a tea this warm and aromatic, there was no hint of any artifical flavors or scents either.
Milk was neither offered nor needed for this tea. It had absolutely NO hint of bitterness at all, and was a perfect tea to enjoy unadulterated by sugar or cream. The taste of (what I interpreted as) Chinese tea was stronger, and was perfect with whichever spices were used in the blend. The second cup was with sugar, which did bring out its cirus notes, but I never tasted creme brule thoughout the pot. After the second cup, I didnt use sugar again with this tea. It was so much better on its own. The dry mouth sensation was much less than what I expereinced with Sur le Nil, and after the fourth cup or so I wondered what Thé de Pâques would be like if it were used in a desert or cooking receipe. Perhaps its prominent flavor would match well with a cake icing or mouse? Lastly, I was very impressed that Thé de Pâques managed to have a taste like vanilla remain distinct from other flavors like nuts, caramel, or chocolate. I would not confuse this tea with another warm blend like Wedding Imperial.
Thé de Pâques is one of my favorite teas at this point, perhaps competing with Marco Polo. The fact that I can drink it clean without milk or sugar is very important; I dont feel full or sleepy like I do after a hot pot of milked tea. Yet, it remains perfectly smooth and naturally sweet. This has to be one of Mariage Frere's best teas, a definate buy in my book.
The smell was great; warm and full of spice, but not 'hot' like a chai. Once again the black tea was matched with a floral aroma, but this was neither cloying or overly strong. I couldnt smell any citrus, but the overall tea base remined me strongly of a Chinese blend. For a tea this warm and aromatic, there was no hint of any artifical flavors or scents either.
Milk was neither offered nor needed for this tea. It had absolutely NO hint of bitterness at all, and was a perfect tea to enjoy unadulterated by sugar or cream. The taste of (what I interpreted as) Chinese tea was stronger, and was perfect with whichever spices were used in the blend. The second cup was with sugar, which did bring out its cirus notes, but I never tasted creme brule thoughout the pot. After the second cup, I didnt use sugar again with this tea. It was so much better on its own. The dry mouth sensation was much less than what I expereinced with Sur le Nil, and after the fourth cup or so I wondered what Thé de Pâques would be like if it were used in a desert or cooking receipe. Perhaps its prominent flavor would match well with a cake icing or mouse? Lastly, I was very impressed that Thé de Pâques managed to have a taste like vanilla remain distinct from other flavors like nuts, caramel, or chocolate. I would not confuse this tea with another warm blend like Wedding Imperial.
Thé de Pâques is one of my favorite teas at this point, perhaps competing with Marco Polo. The fact that I can drink it clean without milk or sugar is very important; I dont feel full or sleepy like I do after a hot pot of milked tea. Yet, it remains perfectly smooth and naturally sweet. This has to be one of Mariage Frere's best teas, a definate buy in my book.
Sur Le Nil
One of the first teas I came accross in the shop area of Mariage Frere, Thé Sur le Nil was being sold alongside other flowery green tea blends (specifically Casablanca and Thé des Voyageurs) in lovely sand blasted glass jars that reminded me of drift glass sculptures common around sea shore areas. The tester bottles the shop had looked and smelled delicious, and I originally considered buying them unteasted. However, thier price held me back. I after I started trying new teas every week in the cafe I made a change from my usual flavored black tea to this parfumed green.
The tea itself has an absolutely fantastic aroma. The smell is light but distinct; unlike many scented teas it was neither overpowering nor too delicate. Sur le Nil's flowery scent is slightly citrusy as well as sweet, but still retains a steady green tea base. Lovely.
First taste reveiled a strong green tea that unfortunatly lacked much of the flavor hinted by its aromatic complexity. The first cup, like allways, was drunk without sugar and left my mouth with a powedery dry feeling that is common with very good quality loose green tea. It was very bitter as well, which i wish i could atribute to a specific tea type but as of right now my knowlage of different green teas is a bit lacking. Sugar mellowed the bitterness considerably, making it much more easy to drink. It would probably make an increadable iced tea (which it was being sold as in its glass jar), but since I tried it in January, iced tea wasn't very appealing an option.
Overall, as a hot drink Sur le Nil has a five star fragrance but a taste that simply doesn't match its delicate aroma. It won points with me for sticking to its green tea base, something i was worried would be overshadowed by powerful added flavors or parfumes. I would not, however, buy it by the tin; it is just too bitter for me to drink often. Perhaps in the summer I will revisit this tea and try it cold. Hopefully it will soften the bitter impact but keep its wonderful smell.
The tea itself has an absolutely fantastic aroma. The smell is light but distinct; unlike many scented teas it was neither overpowering nor too delicate. Sur le Nil's flowery scent is slightly citrusy as well as sweet, but still retains a steady green tea base. Lovely.
First taste reveiled a strong green tea that unfortunatly lacked much of the flavor hinted by its aromatic complexity. The first cup, like allways, was drunk without sugar and left my mouth with a powedery dry feeling that is common with very good quality loose green tea. It was very bitter as well, which i wish i could atribute to a specific tea type but as of right now my knowlage of different green teas is a bit lacking. Sugar mellowed the bitterness considerably, making it much more easy to drink. It would probably make an increadable iced tea (which it was being sold as in its glass jar), but since I tried it in January, iced tea wasn't very appealing an option.
Overall, as a hot drink Sur le Nil has a five star fragrance but a taste that simply doesn't match its delicate aroma. It won points with me for sticking to its green tea base, something i was worried would be overshadowed by powerful added flavors or parfumes. I would not, however, buy it by the tin; it is just too bitter for me to drink often. Perhaps in the summer I will revisit this tea and try it cold. Hopefully it will soften the bitter impact but keep its wonderful smell.
The Grand Adventure
The best gifts in life are the ones we never expect.
Living in Kobe Japan, I have a fantastic chance to do what would be unavailable to me back home. While this obviously includes things like visiting Japanese landmarks, eating real Japanese cuisine, and experiencing another culture, one of the things i enjoy most about my stay in Japan is exploring the cities and finding unique or rare delights. My willingness to try anything once, even if it means ignoring common sense (well at least from a Western point of view) and outrageous prices, has made living here a real delight and adventure.
Its a trait impressed upon me by my father, for which i am immensely grateful.
When i stumbled upon the small teashop in Bal Kobe, my first thought were of gifts for friends in Osaka and New Jersey who had real passions for tea. The price tag held me back; at 2-3000 yen a tin (roughly 20-30 American dollars) i worried that I was throwing money at an impressive label that covered the same tea that I could buy in a grocery store. The only way to prove my money was well spent was to try it myself. I asked in my poor Japanese for the most popular tea, something that would do well for a first taste. They brought me a tiny milk jug, a wide lipped tea cup, and a pot of Marco Polo.
It was love at first sip.
I have always enjoyed tea ( drink quite a bit), but what I was used to was a microwaved green tea bag or a Twinnings splashed with boiling water from a dirty kettle. Mariage Frere's tea is without a doubt the best in the world, and it is now a 15 minute walk from my apartment. I have created this blog as an exploration into their teas; a chance for me to take advantage of something I wont have back home, and an opportunity to record, for myself and anyone interested, the different flavors and styles they offer. Enjoy!
Living in Kobe Japan, I have a fantastic chance to do what would be unavailable to me back home. While this obviously includes things like visiting Japanese landmarks, eating real Japanese cuisine, and experiencing another culture, one of the things i enjoy most about my stay in Japan is exploring the cities and finding unique or rare delights. My willingness to try anything once, even if it means ignoring common sense (well at least from a Western point of view) and outrageous prices, has made living here a real delight and adventure.
Its a trait impressed upon me by my father, for which i am immensely grateful.
When i stumbled upon the small teashop in Bal Kobe, my first thought were of gifts for friends in Osaka and New Jersey who had real passions for tea. The price tag held me back; at 2-3000 yen a tin (roughly 20-30 American dollars) i worried that I was throwing money at an impressive label that covered the same tea that I could buy in a grocery store. The only way to prove my money was well spent was to try it myself. I asked in my poor Japanese for the most popular tea, something that would do well for a first taste. They brought me a tiny milk jug, a wide lipped tea cup, and a pot of Marco Polo.
It was love at first sip.
I have always enjoyed tea ( drink quite a bit), but what I was used to was a microwaved green tea bag or a Twinnings splashed with boiling water from a dirty kettle. Mariage Frere's tea is without a doubt the best in the world, and it is now a 15 minute walk from my apartment. I have created this blog as an exploration into their teas; a chance for me to take advantage of something I wont have back home, and an opportunity to record, for myself and anyone interested, the different flavors and styles they offer. Enjoy!
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