Macaron Cassis Violette

When I went to Dammann Fréres in Paris, I bought one of the two ‘macaron’ teas they had, the Macaron Mangue Jasmin. I came back and I loved it so much, I wished I had bought the other, this one! Well fortunately for me QueenOfTarts wanted to swap me for some, so here it is, in my possession! Thanks QueenOfTarts!

The dry leaf smells lovely, like delicious, fresh, real black currants (cassis). I don’t detect a distinct violet note, but it does have perhaps a hint of a floral quality to it. The almondy macaron is also fairly subtle but lurking about in the corners. Steeped, the tea definitely smells like more of a mix of currants and violet; it’s more floral, and there is also more of the macaron aroma at the base of it.

I had high expectations for this tea, and I was not disappointed. It’s Dammann Fréres, how could I be? I have never been disappointed by a tea of theirs. This tea is fruity, floral and almondy (in a light, macaron-y way) all at the same time, and blended in perfect proportions. The black currant is lovely and berryful and sweet, the violet is light and floral, the macaron is slightly bakey-cookish in an ethereal way, just like a real macaron. Yum.

Aaand, now I want macarons.

Thank you so much to QueenOfTarts for this tea!

I am starting to think maybe two months from now I need to order the teas I want from Dammann Frerés because I am in love with this tea, just based on the dry leaf smell alone. It is very reminiscent of a macaron.

The violet is definitely not as strong as the black currant. I get floral notes upon first sip but then it becomes all berry. I thought maybe there’d be a weird almond taste given the macaron flavor, but it’s more of an added sweetness to the tea.

As it cools the violet comes out a bit more, I think this would even be good as an iced tea. Definitely a more spring/summery flavor to this tea, but that won’t stop me from enjoying this in the coming months. So good!

If you read my notes regularly, you know I am always quite suspiscious about green teas.
This one is the only green I ordered along 15 others (50g of each) – all the others are with a black tea base.

As often with green flavoured teas, it smells incredibly good. Berries are there for sure with a floral shadow.

I made a quick steep to avoid any bitterness especially because in addition of being a green tea, this is a sencha.
I brewed it for 3 minutes not more and this is just perfect for me : none bitterness nor astringency : it is a mellow green (yes ! I found one, I’m so happy !) even a very mellow green tea base.
The flavours are just incredible : blackcurrant is the main note but violet is still detectable (the Dammann Violet, closer to the violet candies rather than a typical flowery violet tone)

It is a delicious green tea, very sweet, very fresh.I imagine it can also make a wonderful ice-tea.
I am very glad to have chosen this one in addition of the black teas I ordered.

The rest of my weekend is filled with a bunch of studying for a big exam on Monday. This cup of tea is keeping me company while I work! The dry leaf smells incredible… a deep berry scent. It’s really beautiful and reminds me of something from my childhood. The fruit flavors are not overwhelming and mix nicely with the light tea base. There is a bit of a tart finish. I’m not sure if this is from the fruit or the tea leaves… but I don’t mind. This is refreshing and sweet! It’s a gorgeous tea that is just perfect for a summer night!