I had to buy this tea because of the name. I am, after all, a creature formed in the 20th century and my sensibilities, thus, have been trained to respond to various stimuli. I’m not the kind of person who responds to “Blue Light Special” or “Blue Plate Special” or “Savings!”. But anyone who would like to attract my attention can do so by a soupçon of French or un po’ d’Italiano. Adding an evocation of the past (vintage, Edwardian, Victorian, nostalgic) wins bonus points and I’m happily ready to separate myself from the contents of my wallet. I ordered “La Belle Epoque” in one of those Pavlovian moments. Who wouldn’t like a drink from “La Belle Epoque?”
I am so happy to report that this is a wonderfully robust Darjeeling. Darjeelings are quickly becoming my first morning brew of choice. This one steeps rapidly and quickly becomes an almost deep red color. Slightly smoky, woodsy, spicy, the tea tastes as if a dash of salt had been added (could that be the Belle Epoque?) but it really works in this tea as a piquant note.
Having now finished my second cup, I am nostaligic for me. This blend is certainly going on my list of teas that must be re-ordered.
My first experience with Lupicia was good. Although they don’t have the almost instant delivery of Upton’s; they delivered within 8 days of having the order confirmed and included two free samples.
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You are so right! Love those tea titles from Lupicia. I’ve yet to try any, but who can resist those romantic names that mysteriously draw you in to experience more? I loved reading Julie & Julia, and have both Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Sometimes modern is not better. :)
It’s awful, isn’t it? I’m such a total sucker for this sort of marketing. Give it a pretty, evocative name and you’ve pretty much got me on the hook, unless there’s something in there I absolutely detest. And there are so few things I absolutely detest, particularly since we’re talking about tea. I mean, in real life I hate the consistency of anything with custard in it, like creme brulee — but creme brulee tea sounds awesome. And if they named it something like Fleur de Lis, I would be a goner.
La Belle Epoque!!! It was such an interesting era. I really wish Lupicia’s website was easier to browse.
I just realized… this is a darjeeling! Ahhhh!
You are so right! Love those tea titles from Lupicia. I’ve yet to try any, but who can resist those romantic names that mysteriously draw you in to experience more? I loved reading Julie & Julia, and have both Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Sometimes modern is not better. :)
It’s awful, isn’t it? I’m such a total sucker for this sort of marketing. Give it a pretty, evocative name and you’ve pretty much got me on the hook, unless there’s something in there I absolutely detest. And there are so few things I absolutely detest, particularly since we’re talking about tea. I mean, in real life I hate the consistency of anything with custard in it, like creme brulee — but creme brulee tea sounds awesome. And if they named it something like Fleur de Lis, I would be a goner.
La Belle Epoque!!! It was such an interesting era. I really wish Lupicia’s website was easier to browse.
I just realized… this is a darjeeling! Ahhhh!