1445 Tasting Notes
Mariage Frères Advent Calendar – Day 18
Just like Habibi Rhapsody was the first in its respective collection to truly appeal to me, this blend also is the first to make me feel love in the “In Love” collection (Marais was also pretty good). Vanilla, Chocolate, Roses, Red Fruits – all on a black tea base… Collectively, it tastes like a rich, creamy, chocolate raspberry filled truffle. I polished off the pot way too quickly!
Flavors: Berries, Creamy, Floral, Milk Chocolate, Raspberry, Red Fruits, Rose, Sweet
Mariage Frères Advent Calendar – Day 17
This might be the first of the Rhapsody teas that I actually enjoy. The signature hibiscus is toned down compared to others in the collection – allowing the gorgeous pairing of rose and lychee to shine through (always a winning couple in my book). A garnish of orange blossoms help emphasize the sweet floral notes of the blend and subtle base. Good choices were made here.
Flavors: Citrus, Floral, Fruity, Hibiscus, Lychee, Orange Blossom, Red Fruits, Rose, Sweet
Dammann Frères Advent Calendar – Day 19
I steeped this directly in hot, frothy milk. It’s not as bold as my favourite chai (should’ve steeped it a little longer), but its still velvety, rich, and warming. I wasn’t paying enough attention to determine which spice was dominant; none of the spices really popped, and it generally tasted well balanced.
Flavors: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Malt, Peppercorn, Silky, Smooth, Spicy, Woody
Preparation
Dammann Frères Advent Calendar – Day 17
I enjoyed this one more than I have in past years. The cherry is working for me for a change (maybe I’m more receptive to cherry flavouring when I’m sick). Only minimal bubblegum this time, and more spiced hot punch too.
Flavors: Almond, Apple, Cherry, Cinnamon, Ginger, Grass, Orange, Spices, Spicy, Stewed Fruits, Sweet, Vanilla, Vegetal, Woody
Mariage Frères Advent Calendar – Day 19
No, way. A Dragonwell?! I almost entirely forgive you for all past advent wrongs, Mariage Frères.
Truly, there’s not much I enjoy more than a Dragonwell tea. It’s what made me fall in love with green teas in the first place (I didn’t know green teas could be that good). I haven’t had one in my stash for way too long now and drinking this feels like a big, long overdue hug.
This offering is more floral (almost pollen) than I’m used to. It’s also characteristically nutty, silky, and pleasantly vegetable-sweet. It’s a stunning tea.
Flavors: Floral, Nutty, Pollen, Silky, Smooth, Sweet, Vegetables
52teas 12 Teas of Christmas 2023 – Day 5
This tea smells good. I picked up on the pear but got mulled red wine from this more than anything else; I was pretty sick and out of it yesterday though, so wasn’t paying too much attention. To be revisited soon to see if I can detect the pomegranate.
Flavors: Cinnamon, Fruity, Malt, Pear, Red Wine, Stewed Fruits
52teas 12 Teas of Christmas – Day 6
Marry me, Pineapple Whip (I have a feeling I’m going to need to get in line).
Why are your pineapple flavoured green teas always so good, Anne? Seriously, this is wonderful.
Steep Count: 2
Flavors: Butter, Citrus, Creamy, Grassy, Pineapple, Smooth, Sweet, Tangy, Tropical Fruit
Dammann Frères Advent Calendar – Day 16
I got everything I love in my tea for Day 16 adventing: a tea that is the epitome of tea, a tea that tastes like cheesecake and citrus, and now this beautiful super green oolong with rose and passion fruit.
This is what I wanted “Oolong Exotic” to be – a more floral green oolong (almost buttery), less mid-roast oolong (I don’t like that with fruit)… a more subtle, breezy profile. Both the Rose oil and Apricot flavour are not heavy-handed (how can they be when passion fruit is such a lively flavour); they serve as lovely accents to this blend. The prominent floral and fruity notes trick my brain into picking up delicate cherry and/or plum blossom too. It’s ethereal and charming.
Oh, well! Now I know that this is the passion fruit oolong tea for me when it comes time to order more Dammann Frères.
Resteep reminds me of Superfine Momo Oolong from Lupicia, of all things. Very tasty.
Flavors: Apricot, Bright, Cherry Blossom, Floral, Fruity, Mineral, Passion Fruit, Rose, Silky, Smooth, Stonefruit, Sweet, Tangy, Tropical Fruit, Vegetal
Mariage Frères Advent Calendar – Day 16
Today is a good day for the advents. This is a fancy take on a breakfast blend – with notes of caramel, red berry, and floral blush. Still, it delivers on the boldness that one expects in a breakfast tea though. What a comforting tea.
These are the kind of teas I’d like to see Mariage Frères feature in their advents: casual & classic staples. I wish this company did a more traditional advent to contrast this one that typically focuses on pushing new lines (last year’s offerings were pleasant and well varies, especially because it didn’t get bogged down with the “In Love” series).
Flavors: Bright, Brisk, Caramel, Floral, Malt, Raisins, Red Fruits, Round, Tannic, Vanilla, Woody
