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.