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!

This is a nice idea – currant, violet, macaron. Ideally, this would have a nice balance of berry notes from the currants, elegant florals from the violet and a sweet. light, pastry presence keeping the whole thing together.

Nose wise, I mostly get violet, but also an almondy note, which, generously, could be deemed the pastry.

In the cup, it’s mostly currant, with a slight minty hint to it; I suspect this is the Dammann Frères violet. We don’t really get along, I think; I definitely prefer Comptoir’s violet flavour.

The macaron, to use a now clearly established Steepsterism, RSVP:d to the party, but did not show up.

Is it a tasty tea? Yes. Is it a tea for me? No.

[From my epic Instant-Thé order to Rome, October 2013.]

this tea was such a welcome surprise! i got no sleep and woke up looking like i got punched in the face— a deep infection in the eye socket apparently. no driving, no school, all i can think is ‘really? seriously? dammit’. came out of nowhere. however i find this tea a lovely distraction.

i don’t have a a lot of experience with green teas, though i am amending that bit by bit. i think the name ‘macaron’ had me thinking of macaroons…(definitely not!). this blend is light and refreshing. i get unexpected notes of cilantro and a hint of basil, a soft fruit component….a dark berry that isn’t black berry or logan.

the green tea is lovely and light: no smoke or pungancy. to me this is a savoury tea… though as it cools i detect some cassis.

i’ve never had a savoury tea. how lovely. thank you ysaurella!

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!

Sipdown (2667)!

This was one of three free sachet samples that DF included as part of my advent order. I was so excited to see this one because I very, very nearly ordered it for myself. It was the green tea that ultimately deterred me.

I have such a soft spot for violet flavoured teas though, and the violet flavouring in this one is exceptional. Floral but also sweet and lush, and very round and mouth coating. The cassis is just the right amount to give it a thicker, jammy quality without dipping into that sometimes medicinal zone cassis likes to wanderer into every now and then. The overall cup was just very smooth, with a flavourful but not heavy fruity and floral mix. I would actually definitely buy this next time I order, green tea be damned.

I can’t really taste the pastry flavour, mostly just the red fruit at first and then a hint of flowers afterwards. It’s well balanced, I was afraid it would taste too much like potpourri, like “Bali”, but no, it’s very good.

Another 100g gone mostly to iced tea; this is only my second cup hot.

This tea is clearly flavored to play on the character of Chinese sencha. Forward note of winey-catpissy black currant joined with a cool, subtle note of CHowards violet candies (I wouldn’t say this is a floral tea). These mix well with a touch of bitter almond and the toasty, pastry-like note of the Chinese sencha. I do think about macarons. There is also a bright and tangy quality like a glass of white wine. That sunniness combined with the grassy, slightly bitter and earthy quality of the green tea really connects with the black currant and violet in a way that conjures the feeling of having tea in a garden. This is a pleasant, delicately flavored experience in a cup.

Just me and the dogs for breakfast today as Ashman has gone back to work, so I get to pick whatever I like for tea!

Macarons – yummy. Didn’t know until a few years ago that they were different from macaroons. Now I know and wish we could get really good ones here. Violet – I used to shrink from it in candy as tasting like bubble bath but now eat an entire pack of Chowards (or C. Howards) in one sitting so I don’t often buy them. Blackcurrant – I am a relatively new fan. Never had it until a Harney tea about ten years ago and it took going to Ireland and drinking blackcurrant water to really get the flavor solidly identified to my tastebuds and distinguishable. I am not a supertaster by a long shot! Now I enjoy Czar Nikolas Nostalgia on the reg, and it definitely is a nostalgic taste for me.

So all three on a sencha base? The base could easily have ruined it if it had been the biting sour green used for a lot of green flavored teas. Even the French blenders use one often that just turns me off. But this one was delicate was just right for the flavors. None of the flavors overwhelmed and it definitely was not heavily floral. I was surprised at how light the violet was, actually, because it can really leap out front.

It was absolutely delectable. Sigh. I love Dammann Freres.