17 Tasting Notes
YA! So hard for me to even imagine that a tea other then Marco Polo could rock my world so much, this one comes close. It’s like sitting in a peach orchard having a picnic, on a sweet summer day with not a care in the world discussing how beautiful the world is, feeling how beautiful life is. it is very perfect this tea. the alchemy of the flavoring, hits that perfect note. Also I have noticed that mariage freres tea that comes in the tin is so much more fresh and alive, then their tea not in the tin. And the ingredients are just such high quality – unmistakingly high. (that word is not spelled right, but I don’t know how to spell it)
Preparation
I love, love, love, love, love this tea. It is my first oolong that I have appreciated, very delicate and earthy and I added honey cause I couldn’t help myself, was craving sweet, and it was just tres wonderful. It is my new most favorite tea.
Reading your tasting notes brings back to me the feelings I had, such as the delight of the first high-quality, correctly steeped light oolong! My first was the Ali Shan, which is similar to this Jade Oolong by Rishi, but maybe even less oxidized, and the leaves are larger, so probably a different tea plant varietal. It begins to remind a person of wine tasting — similarities like varietals, growing region, and terroir.
When I first put this tea in my mouth, I had an experience that I have never had before with tea. It was enlightening that I could experience such delight from a tea. So delicate, like fragrant wind with the sweet smell of jasmine. Such a beautiful tea. I will never forget that first sip.
Even though it was white, it reminded me of a black tea. It is a strong white tea and there is a wild flower honey scent, less floral, more honey. The more I drank it, the more I liked it. I don’t usually add honey to my white tea, but I thought for this one, “let’s just try it”. It actually worked quite well. And I steeped it all day – 4 delicious cups. Which is the first and only time I have steeped the leaves again and actually liked the second cup.
When I saw a photo of the tea, I had to get it. Ins’t it Beautiful?! This tea is really nice, it feels like a soft bang in the morning, sweet but firm. I like it! I don’t know how to describe it well yet, as I am new to drinking tea, but I can say this: I like this tea, but not as much as Marco Polo.
Do you order Mariage Freres online? Don’t they have amazing shipping? I am sure they charge me and arm and a leg to send me there goods but they are on my doorstep within the week. Glad you liked my pic too. Silly tea didn’t like sitting still! :)
I have ordered from two different places in the states. I have contemplated ordering direct and maybe will next time, but the web-site was hard to navigate.
Which is you most favorite tea from Mariage Freres? Also the violet tea from Russia sounds really great. I think I herd about that one from you?
Well definite favorite, I can’t say yet. I am still sampling but its a tie between Jamaique because of its fragrance or The de Paques which I love to drink. It is perfect with this orange cake I make. I have quite a collection of Mariage Freres to explore so I’ll keep you posted.
I am glad to hear you have quite a collection! I have been wanting to talk to someone who has tasted them before I order them. Maybe I will have tried all 10,000 before I die! On my walk today I contemplate the alchemical magic of Marco Polo as opposed to the “just didn’t work” “Birthday” tea. How scents blend together to make something magical or something not so magical is just so neat!
I completely agree. It’s nice to be able to find moments to explore and enjoy new things.
try vert provence. or the sur le nil by Marriages Freres too.