Bellocq Tea Atelier

So I have been trying to decide whether to order this for some months now, broke down earlier in the week, ordered and just received this. Initial tasting tells me I am pleased but not overjoyed. This tea is very subtle, and frankly I am really more of a “hit me in the face with the flavors” kind of drinker. The rose is oh-so-subtle, and you really don’t realize the hot red pepper is in there until you feel a slight tingling on the tongue between sips. Also, the descriptions state there is “smoke”, but frankly I don’t taste any smoke. Perhaps what they meant was that the tea, combined with the rose and the pepper should remind you of the smoke of the fire of a travelling gypsy caravan bunked down for the night. That would be more like it. It in no way tastes like a Lapsang or anything like that. So, I am saying this one is subtle, and even smooth and sophisticated, definitely not “in your face”. This tea is definitely more for a pensive, quiet moment when you can savor the nuances of the tea. Definitely tastes high quality, btw :-)

There is a store in the Rockridge district of Oakland called Maison d’Etre and that is where I got this tea on Sunday. I haven’t been there in a while because I have some bad memories associated with that place. Time to move on and leave the bad memories behind. I’ve never heard of Bellocq, but of course I had to get some new tea!

It’s a black tea made with roses and lavender, I admit this is a bit too much for a breakfast tea as it is exceedingly floral. To me it almost seems like a shower gel. The lavender is quite strong here. They suggest having this with a piece of lemon cake and I think that would be really nice. I’m not sure if this is an everyday type of tea but I do like it.

Today – nobody is going to tell me I am not good enough. I am good enough.

This tea is like a boxing match of jasmine and rose, or rose and jasmine, depending on who’s winning at the moment, and the fight may be about a lurking linden blossom. I thought the tea might be a bit too heavily floral for me to enjoy very often, but it’s surprisingly clean tasting, fruity and sophisticated, and I think it will stay in my regular rotation of afternoon teas. It would work well with the tiniest bit of raw honey, if one were that way inclined.

smooth body. sweet flavor of the tea.
subtle evergreen, wild orchid and honey notes.

Infusions: 2-4

Excellent chai. Not too spicy, but still full of invigorating spices that blend perfectly with milk and a bit of honey.

Incredible notes of fresh cherries with chocolate and cinnamon. A definite winner!