Name: The Du Hammam
Brand: Le Palais Des Thes
Type: Green tea, flavored
Form: Loose leaf
Cost: $15.00 for 3.5 loose leaf tea in a bag (as of November, 2011. Other packaging options and tea bags are also available.)
Review: I’ve long maintained that the French produce the best flavored teas and this offering from Le Palais Des Theis reinforces my opinion. While well-known over in Europe, getting Le Palais Des Theis teas in the states could, until recently, be a bit of a pain, as one either had to work with a reseller (typically a gourmet market) or have the teas shipped over from Europe. Now, finally, the company has its own website for stateside customers and there is much rejoicing (at least on my part).
The tea itself is a large leaf Chinese green, blended with flower petals and fruit flavors and is one of the few teas that is as pretty in real life as its promotional photographs suggest. It infuses to a light yellow in the cup (just a touch of green), and has a sweet, slightly fruity nose. The tea liquor itself is medium-bodied, heavy enough to support the sweet fruit flavors (I pick up berry and citrus). There is also a very nice floral backnote to this very smooth tea. Like the best French cooking, its flavors are seamless, each blending into the other. If you like your teas fruity, sweet, and complex,The Du Hammam should make your day.
Brewing Tips: Keep the water temperature down on this one, as you don’t want to interfere with the floral or sweet notes. Le Palais Des Theis recommends 170F/75C and I agree with this suggestion.
Serving Tips: Sip this on its own. It is too exquisite to be paired with anything else. Try drinking it out of your most delicate, elegant porcelain cup for the best experience.
Sample Provided by Retailer: Yes
Affiliate Links in this Post: No
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