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This is a really nice jasmine green, with a strong, floral jasmine that’s natural rather than perfumey. The jasmine dominates the base, which serves as a fairly neutral background. I have a bunch of jasmine greens to work through, but when I run out I’d definitely consider buying some of this one.

Standard Assam indeed. This is okay, if a little harsh, but since there are so many exceptional Assams on the market it’s not something I’d consider purchasing.

Smells and tastes just like grape medicine, yuck.

This is by far my favorite of the Héritage Gourmand samples I received from CharlotteZero (and second only to my beloved Macaron in the HG lineup). It does remind me quite a bit of Macaron, with that delightful aftertaste I can really only describe as clear gummy bear. The bergamot’s not very strong, the base comes through nicely, and the overall effect is very smooth, very comforting. I think I am picking up on the berry note others have mentioned, as well. I don’t see how this tea is meant to resemble a crêpe, but that’s okay when it’s this good. I would for sure pick up some more of this if it were possible to buy it without the very expensive tin. As it is, I might still consider doing so at some point, when my stash is under control. After all, when I move to London next year Mariage Frères will practically be on my doorstep…

And yet another CharlotteZero sample. This is definitely one of the better (and more authentic) chocolate teas I’ve had. It’s slightly bitter, like real dark chocolate, and smooth and rich. Chocolate teas aren’t really my thing, but even so if this weren’t so expensive I might consider picking some up in the future. Given how pricey the Héritage Gourmand tins are, though, I probably won’t.

This is another CharlotteZero sample I never got around to logging. It’s pretty similar to Financier, though less assertive with the vanilla. Pretty much all of what I said about that tea applies here: it reminds me of Butiki’s Creamy Eggnog, I have issues with sweet and creamy flavorings mixed with green tea, etc. It’s an okay tea, but not really to my taste. I think of the two I slightly preferred Financier.

CharlotteZero was kind enough to send me a sample of this one quite a while ago, and while I took notes on it I never got around to logging it here. This is a pleasant tea. It’s sweet and creamy, and it reminds me more than anything of vanilla frosting (though I’ve never had a financier so can’t say how much it resembles its namesake). There’s a hint of almond too. While the base isn’t too assertively vegetal, I’m just not sure I love the combination of these sorts of flavors with green tea (see my aversion to Butiki’s Creamy Eggnog). I wouldn’t buy this, especially given the price, but I’m glad to have had a chance to sample it.

The best, richest buttercream frosting ever, in a tea. I wasn’t so impressed with this one at first, but it’s grown on me, and I’m going to miss it once it’s gone. There’s just something easy and comforting about it.

Farewell lovely tea! This one tasted just like a delicious lemon cookie, not so much a macaron to me as a sablé, maybe, or even a lemon sugar cookie. Sweet and delicate, never bitter or sour, with just a hint of vanilla and almond—this is one I’ll miss, for sure. If anyone knows of a decent substitute, let me know!

This was another nice one from Butiki. It’s got a nice syrupy fruit flavor, though I can’t pick up on the hazelnut. The green base is nice and smooth. I don’t think the raspberry comes through as strongly here as it did in Raspberry Jam & Cashew Butter, but this is an enjoyable blend nonetheless.