Two Mariage Freres very different Black Teas

Mariage Freres Breakfast Earl Grey, Black Tea;
Deep amber-orange-red colour, lots of bergamot, but very elegant nose, some vanilla, floral and lime and lemon, maybe even some orange peel, some floral notes, tiny hint of jasmin far behind. Very elegant and balanced Earl Grey, one of the best, long and complex, but in no way show off. So balanced and good in the mouth it would be a true shame to ad anything in it, sugar or milk. 87


Mariage Freres Lapsang Souchong Imperial, Smokey Black Tea;
Medium amber colour, bond fire, smoke, charcoal, smells like your sweatshirt after an evening to close to the fireplace after burning with not too dry wood. Extremelly intence, fills the room with aromas, even comes out of the metall box. Also some incence spicy notes, like Tibetan Gompa (Tibetan room for prayers and spiritual activities), very intence nose, not for the faint hearted this tea. Well balanced and elegant actually on the palate, flavours like a great smoked ham. Fresh finish and long length. 90