Dammann Frères
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Backlog from around New Year’s Eve. Received as a sample from Dammann Freres (the company included three).
They weren’t lying when they said the dominant note is rhubarb. It’s not even sweetened rhubarb so it’s pretty herbaceous, slightly sour, and watery. the other fruity and floral additions are less apparent – although, they contribute sweet, floral, and earthy notes to the cup in turn.
It’s not something I’d rush out to buy but it is fresh and clean.
Flavors: Earthy, Floral, Fruity, Herbaceous, Rhubarb, Sour, Tree Fruit
Preparation
Either this tea is too sweet for me fullstop or I shouldn’t have reached for a flavoured tea today. Or maybe it is one of those that, according to CrowKettle, needs milk.
I had no idea that this blend contained maple. Had I known, I would have saved it for another day.
Blueberry and chestnut—that’s what I signed up for. But I was counting on blueberry and chestnut of the North American Imagination: roasted chestnuts and fresh blueberries. Granted, an odd combination.
Instead, I think what is going on here is the highly sweetened chestnut purée, sweetened with maple syrup, with a sprinkling of blueberries.
Probably needs milk. None in the house at the moment and snowmageddon outside, so going the the store is out.
It’s fine. Just not something I am in the mood for today.
Edit—also should have read CrowKettle’s note before selecting this. Oh, regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention…
Yeah, I find this one too sweet. I wish it was toned down or completely void of maple.
Ayup. Unsatisfying tea day. A spoon of my Keemun classic probably would’ve fixed this experience for me.
The maple is absolutely superfluous. Actually, I think DF should leave the maple alone altogether. Theirs is a nice quality maple, but using it in blends with other notable flavours is just way too fussy. I would appreciate it more in a straight maple tea or smoky maple or something uncomplicated.
I think I agree with you. It’s overly busy and overwhelming to taste.
I don’t mind the DF’s banana blueberry flavoured oolong though! Blueberry is such an intense flavour on it’s own and maybe it’s better served by a light, creamy accompaniment – like vanilla or banana. Or that’s my preferences speaking :P
Agreed. Maybe a soft lemon cloud too.
Ok, everything I previously said about this tea, I take it all back.
Maybe, this new development is because I gave the bag of leaf a good shake. Perhaps because I almost doubled the amount of leaf I used. Perhaps because today I am drinking it with organic milk. Maybe all these factors have nudged this cup into becoming something completely new and magnificent.
This cup is all bright tart raspberry and marzipan cookie on a punchy black base.
Just wow.
Oh good! I think this is one of the first teas that ever “knocked my socks off.” I got it in my first ever tea swap, sent by teaequalsbliss. My daughter saw my tasting note and bought some for me at the very next holiday.
Sweet! It is lovely to find that the issue was user error rather than the tea itself. Now, if I can only find the way to save Boston…
Vague tart red fruit. Sour cherries? Red currants? Bah!
The city is in near lockdown again with hospitals filling at amazing rates.
I live very close to a major street that cuts through the city and there is silence. The three construction sites are quiet. Even some of the usually troublesome neighbours are silent because they are away.
Grateful for the quiet, but it is so odd. Eerie even.
Approached my advent calendar for something new today. A bit late, but I celebrate by the Julian calendar anyway, so technically, I am still in my Christmas season.
More info here if you are bewildered about that: https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/whats-the-story-orthodox-christmas
About this tea now.
Mild, black, slightly sweet. The maple doesn’t come across as maple to me, just slightly sweetens the cup. Grainy, bready. Malty. Delicious and comforting.
I probably chose this because I had buckwheat stuffed cabbage rolls for lunch and there was an echo of buckwheat in my brain.
I need more of this in my life. Both this tea and the cabbage rolls.
And it’s a sipdown!
Sipdown 3 of 2022.
Agreed, it’s eerie when the traffic slows down. I seem to hear more ambulances than usual, whether or not that’s really the case.
Also, the schools have been closed, so the activity of the parents, kids,schoolbuses, and bustle of the comings and the goings has been muted.
I hear sirens of police, ambulances, firefighters piercing the quiet from time to time. Otherwise, it has been still. I have a fan on as white noise for the neighbours, but beyond that it feels like a permanent Sunday. I could get used to this.
Spoke too soon. The construction, the neighbours, the wakings, all of it is back.
Mmm, cabbage rolls (and borscht).
Happy belated Orthodox Christmas!
Thanks! (Orthodox in communion with Rome, ie. Catholic Byzantine rite)
This tea is straightforward but delicious. The fruity mangosteen and bright malty base end on a perfumed cream-like note that makes my tongue melt (I also have “Mango Lassi” and it has the same cream-like quality. It’s so good). I initially felt bad that I forwent the Passion Fruit with the Black Tea base for this, but when I see a rarity like mangosteen I don’t walk, I run!
There’s no mangosteen on Steepster’s flavour list, but Dammann Frères’ descriptor of “peach-pear-passion fruit” more than suffices. That’s essentially what this round, dark purple-ish red fruit with white flesh tastes like if you’re lucky enough to find a bruised and battered one in a specialty market around here (they sadly don’t travel well). The tea nailed it and my fruit-loving heart is happy! Now, if only this company did a “tamarind pop” tea.
Steep Count: 2
Flavors: Cream, Floral, Fruity, Malt, Passion Fruit, Peach, Smooth, Tangy, Tropical Fruit
Preparation
Oooo—mangosteen! Wow. Well done, you!
I find mangosteen and passionfruit overlap in flavour.
Yep! That’s why I felt it would be a safe choice, given how much I adore this company’s passion fruit flavour. I only picked up tropical fruit teas, and there are so many I eventually want to try..
Also, bonus – when I finally get down to the post office, all these 100gs of tea “share” well. Just a warning..
Did you ever get a chance to try a “fresher” mangosteen when you worked in China? I sadly forgot to prioritize that when I did some travelling around Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Vietnam, Singapore). One of my deepest regrets, that :P
Hahaha, with the post office. :)
I had a fresh fruit hut/shop close to my apartment and I was there every couple of days. Mangosteen was either in season or always available because I was buying it all the time.
I don’t recall much, if any, exposure to it in Thailand or Vietnam. (But i don’t recall fruit shops there either.). Most of my fruit-gobbling was done at the fruit carving carts—pineapple and mango mostly. I do remember jackfruit and durian there, but I can’t recall when I got it.
Haven’t been to Singapore yet.
My big regret is not having been into or knowledgeable about tea when I was in Yunnan. Of course, all over China too, but especially when I was in Yunnan.
Ooh, I’ve never had mangosteen, but now I’m intrigued to add this to my cart!
Sweet – you will be in a good position to assess this “mangosteen” tea then! The only fresh fruit that I can recall trying was durian (I’d love to see that as a flavoured tea hehe). I didn’t spend very long in Singapore, Vietnam, etc and would love to go back. So much food and tea. :)
That’s such a cool experience! I’d love to explore Yunnan one day(and everywhere).. and I’ve similar feelings re- spending nearly a month in Japan with an unlimited train pass, and not checking out various green tea spots… Because I’d yet to realize how much I love their green teas. Regrets, always.
@Courtney – if you like passion fruit (especially DF’s treatment of it) or fruit in general you may enjoy this one.
I adore passionfruit, so I have already gone and added this one haha!
I remember one company which do only tea bags having mangosteen tea. I think it was combined with black currant.
I never had it on my own and oh, this tea sounds delicious.
Ooooh, black currant and mangosteen sounds like a winning combo if it’s done properly. Thank you for mentioning that, Martin. It’s made my morning just that much better.
CrowKettle, I was only in Yunnan province for about two weeks. Not nearly enough time to see the things and places I wanted to see. I loved it though.
And yes, I’d love to explore everywhere too. To see and eat all the things.
@Martin Bednář, mangosteen + black currant sounds like it could be so good! Even if only the black currant came through I’d be happy haha.
I had a Mangosteen Matcha a million years ago. It was pleasant but wasn’t accurate.
Has anyone made a truly great black currant black tea?
Erm, There was a local company in Vancouver (Steam Tea House?) that had a basic one. I don’t see it or their maple on the site anymore though.. Bulk Barn’s wasn’t terrible either? (lolol)I think EG-esque “Thé de Lune” has notes of black currant (which is why I like it) – but it’s MF so it tastes like various different things to different people, with no consensus.
Long story short: no, I can’t think of any definite showstoppers.
Thank you for mulling this over aloud. Too bad. One of my favourite flavours.
—goes to check what the deal is with black currant and DF.
I’m going to sit on this one before giving it a rating – although it’s pretty tasty!
The passion fruit is a little lighter than in other Dammann Frères teas but there are a host of fruits and flavours it shares the stage with – some as yet to be determined (but I have 100g so lots of time to figure it out)! I think this green oolong is on the lightly roasted side – with darker gold broth. My brain translates this to the usual “ice cream cone” malt flavour of all roasted oolong teas; because of the flavouring though, that roast shifts and supports something interesting – lychee! As it cools, I get more mango too – the dried candied kind, I think. It’s neat.
Steep Count: 3
Flavors: Floral, Fruity, Lychee, Malt, Mango, Mineral, Passion Fruit, Roasted, Smooth, Vegetal
Preparation
Dammann Frères Advent Calendar – Day 6
Advent calendars are fun because of the possible novelty of discovering new-to-me teas at random. But sometimes it’s lovely to be offered a well-established favourite. I adore this delicious passion fruit jasmine tea. Its profile is bright, energetic, and multi-dimensional; that vibe can be such a godsend on a December weekday.
Flavors: Astringent, Bergamot, Citrus, Floral, Fruity, Jasmine, Lychee, Mango, Passion Fruit, Sweet, Tart, Tropical Fruit
Mastress Alita’s sipdown challenge, August 2022: A tea that reminds you of a family member – Thanks for the Christmas present, Mom :)
Darn, this was supposed to last until the Christmas order.
Steep Count: 3
Flavors: Astringent, Bergamot, Citrus, Floral, Fruity, Jasmine, Malt, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Tart, Tropical Fruit
Preparation
I’m currently reading Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan and I came across a tea competition scene that caused me so much tea anxiety. Here’s a snippet from it.
“As I waited for the water to boil, I glanced around again – only now realizing those who chose pu’er all used clay teapots, some tossing out the first steep. Struck by sudden doubt, I discarded my first choice, deciding to stick with what I knew best – my mother’s favourite Longjing, the Dragon-Well tea….
I poured the tea into a porcelain cup, a murky brown soup. My gut twisted as I lifted the lid to inspect the dregs. Careless. I cursed myself. In my haste, I had placed the Longjing into the same pot as the pu’er."
I died a little inside while reading that, and then realized I was drinking this tea – a blend of black and green jasmine. Ugh (I like this tea).
Flavors: Astringent, Bergamot, Drying, Floral, Fruity, Jasmine, Lychee, Malt, Passion Fruit, Tropical Fruit
Preparation
I think I’d flub a tea competition, too. :) Puerh and Longjing would be an odd blending choice.
Love it!
Do you recommend the book?
I’m wondering about the book too!
I enjoyed it but didn’t love it. I had some issues with pacing (too fast/convenient) and YA tropes that I don’t particularly love (ex – love triangle is one of the main “conflicts”). The story feels lush though – and I did enjoy the tea blurb. If you’re craving a dreamy xianxia/mythology-inspired romantic debut and don’t mind the YA feel it may do the trick! The library may be the way to go though.
It’s quite highly rated on GoodReads so I might give it a shot when available at the library. And I get through the 5 other books I am reading lol.
Hard to say no to such a beautiful cover too. The Goodreads reviews summarize the pros and cons well, for the most part. Much better than me, anyways! :)
I’ve been reading a lot of stuff that runs dark and dense lately; Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a pleasant contrast to my melancholic reads.
Continuing to love this passion fruit jasmine bergmot concoction immensely and bumping up my rating.
I generally think the combination of green and black tea base is a bad idea; I tend to avoid them at all costs. However, in this blend the slight bitter-sour note, incurred from steeping at a temperature normally too high for green tea, creates a lovely effect; it makes the passion fruit taste more “real” – filling it out more. It’s good stuff and satisfies my craving for tart-sweet tropical fruits.
Steep Count: 2
Flavors: Astringent, Bergamot, Floral, Fruity, Jasmine, Malt, Mango, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Sour, Tart, Tropical Fruit
Preparation
I caved and ordered teas mid-advent (Day 7 – when I realized this wasn’t part of it). I think the parcel arrived (incredibly fast) around the time I was a food poisoned blob; my family members then intercepted the parcel at the post office on my behalf, and discretely wrapped up the individual teas as my Christmas presents. Thanks, guys.
After the opening (shock, gasp), I steeped this up yesterday (a little too hot at 200F) and was so enamoured with it I took my open ceramic mug in the car with me for the Christmas Dinner (no travel mug for this tea). And now I’m having yet another cup, but steeped cooler and for less time.
I’m in passion fruit/jasmine paradise right now (two of my big “yes” flavours btw). All of those who predicted I’d love this, in spite of the green/black base, are so very correct. It is a little tart but it compliments the kind of tropical and citrus fruits included in the profile. Currently, I’m successfully pretending I’m on vacation somewhere much warmer (goodbye snow).
Steep Count: 2
Flavors: Bergamot, Citrus, Floral, Fruity, Jasmine, Mango, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Sour, Tart, Tropical Fruit
Preparation
Oooh, this one is in my cart — so excited!
:)
I got a little tin of it, which I predict shall be filled again when it runs out next year. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Jasmine/Passion fruit tea before.
I am SO pleased that you adore this. Absolutely fab.
This one is Amazing!
Dammann Frères Advent 2021 – Day 23
Better late than never! This simple herbal has one job and I believe it does it well. If unsweetened dark chocolate oranges were my kryptonite this tisane would be a lovely caffeine and calorie-free alternative. As it is, I enjoy it as an on point festive advent selection but wouldn’t buy any for myself.
And that wraps up my advent from Dammann Frères! Despite not loving teas with apples, cherries, and Christmas “potpourri” in general – I enjoyed this festive advent so much. It also led to the discovery of excellent passion fruit, lemon, and ginger flavouring that I want more of. Price-wise, it was also relatively affordable (and I already ordered more passion fruit teas, so this advent won the war).
Flavors: Cocoa, Orange
Preparation
I’m so excited to see (hear) your thoughts on more passionfruit teas!
Also, did you have My Panettone in the advent by any chance?
I didn’t. There were so many teas not included in the advent, including all the “Noels” I wanted to try. Depending on the line-up next year, I’d do this one again.
Aw, such a shame! I have it in my cart, but was hoping for a few reviews (there is one from Evol Ving Ness at least!).
We enjoyed the calendar so much last year! We’re getting it again this year (we do it in February for Lexa’s birthday), but I have a bunch in my cart as well to make the most of the shipping cost haha!
Yeah, I’ve no clue! Maybe Evol Ving Ness can weigh in more. Almond tea isn’t really a go-to for me (unless Marzipan/Amaretto), so I wouldn’t be the best of judges anyways :P
I kind of wish I’d grabbed a bunch from both French companies when I bought the advents but I didn’t know what to expect so only bought one additional 100g tea each. If I do advents next year I’ll be wiser like you :)
Haha! Well, in fairness I only got the advent last year and replacements of teas I already knew I loved. I wasn’t brave enough to venture any further haha!
Dammann Frères Advent Calendar – Day 15
I enjoyed this one a lot this year. Not registering the ginger as a distinctive force as much this time, and just enjoying the the soft fruity and nutty gingerbread (cake) notes.
Steep Count: 2
Flavors: Almond, Cake, Cherry, Fruity, Gingerbread, Malt, Marzipan, Nutty, Smooth, Spicy, Sweet, Vanilla, Woody
Dammann Frères Advent Calendar 2022 – Day 5
I do not like this as much as I did last year. The combo of cherry and ginger tips the blend over into medicinal territory (although I do like the ginger zest levels). There’s a shimmer of goodness when my brain picks up on the almond and translates the cherry-almond combo as marzipan, but it’s currently a fleeting construct. Maybe that will pop out more as the tea cools.
My mom thought this tea was lovely, although she found it “a little sweet.”
Flavors: Almond, Amaretto, Cherry, Fruity, Ginger, Marzipan, Medicinal, Sweet, Woody
Preparation
Dammann Frères Advent 2021 – Day 24 (x2!!!)
Double bag day with “Noël à Manhattan” (cute). It snowed this morning so I added milk (I am logic).
This has a similar profile to Christmas Tea Blanc, but this is working for me better for some reason. I still find the DF gingerbread cake-ish. The combo of thin almond and bright, slightly tart cherry carries sweet marzipan vibes. For me, the cherry is lush enough to create a complex baked feel that is not dimmed by the milk. Ginger isn’t zippy hot but a sweet and subtle warmth. It pairs smoothly with cherry to enhance that baked dessert feel.I kind of want to check out the jelly version of this, and maybe cookies, eventually. I love the cherry for once and I’m sad to finish off the pot (and end this advent). We had good times this December. Merry Christmas, Steepster!
Flavors: Almond, Cake, Cherry, Ginger, Marzipan, Spices, Sweet, Tart, Wood
Preparation
Dammann Frères Advent Calendar – Day 21
I don’t know what made Dammann Frères decide that anise should be the dominant flavour of “Manhattan.” It’s a mystery.
When I’m feeling icky, I love anise (not licorice) so was glad to see this familiar tea this morning. Pairing it with a couple almonds, apple slices, leftover popcorn, and a steamed bun also brings out certain aspects of this tea – it’s butter, apple, and chestnut notes. The chestnut is like a sweet yam today. It was good enough to steep twice (and the anise toned down).
Flavors: Anise, Apple, Butter, Candy, Chestnut, Citrus, Fruity, Maple, Sweet, Toasted Rice, Vegetal, Yams
Dammann Frères Advent 2021 – Day 24
I ate some roasted chestnuts a couple of days ago at the Vancouver (German) Christmas Market – so, now that the memory is fresh I feel more confident saying the anise and orange aid in bringing forward that chestnut flavouring! Like “Montreal”, sometimes the anise hits in a certain way which dissociates me from chestnuts, but when it’s blending in I enjoy it. Sometimes the orange clementine becomes prominent as well, and I get spiced chocolate orange flavour (the only time I notice the chocolate is when the orange breaks away. Weird eh). The maple is so light I barely register it except as ideal sweetness. I don’t pick up on the apple at all. Perfect.
I actually enjoy the green base with this profile; it’s a smooth, slightly vegetal template for the decadent flavours. It’s on the drying side though.
After two samples of Montreal and this one, I think the ingredients are mercurial in how they poke through. Today it’s working beautifully; I wish I’d had this in my travel mug at the market to pair with all the good food I ate!
Flavors: Anise, Butter, Chestnut, Chocolate, Maple, Orange, Smooth, Sweet, Vegetal
Preparation
Yay for having chestnuts and getting a chestnut flavour here!
We just picked up more chestnuts to roast! I’ve had so many through December, my mom would say I’ll turn into one soon. XD
Next year I’m taking a page out of your book and roasting my own. They are delicious and there are far worse things to turn into :P
Mercurial—yes, an excellent way to describe these multi-faced teas. I haven’t tried this one yet, but Montreal is absolutely like this in terms of what becomes prominent when. Interesting exercise, tea drinking.
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
Dammann Frères Advent Calendar 2022 – Day 7
Yeah, not quite working for me this year. Definitely get the spiced orange flavoured bubblegum candy. Not passing up a cup though!
Flavors: Apple, Bubblegum, Candy, Cinnamon, Citrus, Fruity, Orange, Seaweed, Spices, Vanilla, Vegetal, Woody
Preparation
Dammann Frères Advent 2021 – Day 22
This tastes like a buttery baked cinnamon apple to me! I like my super candied, over the top version from DavidsTea a bit more but I wouldn’t pass up a cup of this either (despite not loving cinnamon or apple as leading flavours).
Apparently citrus is supposed to lead this tea but I didn’t get that this time around. Maybe next year.
Flavors: Apple, Butter, Cinnamon, Fruity, Ginger, Smooth, Spices, Vanilla, Wood
Preparation
2021 sipdown no. 114
Lovely sample from Cameron!
This smells of fuzzy peaches once steeped, but not anything over the top. The peach flavour is fairly realistic here, with subtle hints of fuzzy peaches. The apricot is adding a bit of complexity. There’s also a slight tartness at the end of the sip potentially from the apricot. I would order this.
Preparation
Dammann Frères Advent 2021 – Day 20
I was worried this would be anise-heavy from the dry leaf aroma, but it’s more like a cozy lemon marshmallow cloud with anise accents. I’m enjoying this one, and wish it had fallen on one of the days I felt the sickest last week. It’s soothing.
Mom says “tastes like licorice.” So anise is definitely still a key player.
Flavors: Anise, Candy, Citrus, Creamy, Lemon, Lemongrass, Sweet, Vanilla
Preparation
Sounds delightful! I mean who could pass up lemons or clouds?
*marshmallow clouds
^what ashmanra said. The anise troubles me, but maybe it is not too bad, always a crapshoot with anise. Frankly, I’ve been having more than enough anise in my masala chai.
I don’t pass up regular clouds either! :)
Hopefully you don’t get too much anise in your sample, Evol. For me this combined the lemon flavouring I loved so much in the Citron Oolong, with a few herbal ingredients (lemongrass, anise); it was easier for me to accept.
Thanks, CrowKettle. I’m a bit behind with the advent, but I’ll get there. I loved DT’s Citron Oolong and LemonPoundcake. If the lemon is anything like those, I’m good.
