SimplyJenW

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SimplyJenW drank Marco Polo by Mariage Frères

It is always interesting to go back and taste the first teas you thought were outstanding. (Kind of like Dinosara did today with her Earl Grey!) This one was near the top of my list. As time goes on, and my palate becomes a little more experienced, I have noticed that some things just loose their spark. I am sorry to say, but Marco Polo is one of those. I am wondering if a shorter steep will help, or maybe less leaves? But this one is no longer a favorite of mine personally.

Does anyone have room to adopt about 1 1/2 ounces of Marco Polo? It needs a home where it will be loved. I would gladly send along some of Mariage Freres Rouge Bourbon so it could have a friend from home…… (I will send them out in bags rather than tins to whomever wants them!)

2011-07-15 14:30:03 -0400

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Dinosara 2011-07-15 14:41:25 -0400

I felt that way about this tea, too, although it wasn’t a no-longer impressive as much as a not-initially impressed feeling. Which I totally never expected! And although I do enjoy the MF teas I brought back from Paris, I’m finding that I like Dammann Freres so much more.

SimplyJenW 2011-07-15 14:46:26 -0400

This was from my pre-Harney/Upton days (my first order with Harney was last November, and I am in deep smit.). Marco Polo was my first fancy tea. And was considerably better than most of the flavored Adagio tea I had been drinking.

gmathis 2011-07-15 15:26:37 -0400

The sample I tried was phenomenally good!

aisling of tea 2011-07-15 17:00:32 -0400

We’d be happy to take that off of your hands! We are running low on our supply, and the local supplier, well, their prices are a bit steep, so we were preparing to say goodbye! We’ll be in the states in a few weeks, so we wouldn’t even have to worry about canadian shipping, if they’re still available.

SimplyJenW 2011-07-15 17:09:55 -0400

@Rita…pm me your parent’s address and I will get it in the mail next week. Will that be soon enough?

aisling of tea 2011-07-15 17:31:17 -0400

Yay! Thank you so much, you are awesome!

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Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a few other flavored teas. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)