Right, so how do I even explain the origin of this sample? Well, we’re doing the second round of the EU swap box, and cteresa forgot to put one of the samples she wanted to send out in the box… so she sent an envelope, too, a few days later. Of course, seeing as cteresa is cteresa (i.e. completely awesome) she added even more tea samples (hey, empty envelope, gotta fill it).
Among these were a couple that I’ve been dying to try, including this one. I have a pretty decent MF reseller here, but they haven’t had Jamaïque in stock since I moved back.
My prediction for this tea was that it would be like Vanille des Iles with a twist – and yes, that’s more or less what I find myself with here. Scent wise, there’s much more caramel in VdI, making for a rounder, sweeter profile. In terms of Jamaïque, though, there is this perfect, boozy note topping off the vanilla base. The same goes for the brewed tea, even though I find myself struggling more with flavour recollection than scent recollection this time around. In short, however – Jamaïque fronts less caramel and more booze.
It’s a very enjoyable, smooth cup, but just as in the case of VdI, I would have enjoyed a more exuberant vanilla presence.
Thank you, cteresa!
[Spin-off sample from the second round of the EU Travelling Box, spring 2014.]
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You are welcome! Can’t believe I had not spotted this on your shopping list before sending the box
And uh got to make my own taste note of it as well
It was so nice to finally get to try it, thanks again. And GASP! You have not yet produced a tasting note for this? Oh, cteresa.
I was in a hurry! and was in a hurry the next time I had it, and then had tea box samples to try, and a quest to finish teas. But yes been very bad at not making taste notes for this, will have to fix it soon.
Also part of the problem is, I think those two first brews are made were not fair trials, and I should be able to get more out of this. I adore the scent, sooo boozy and decadent, but was a bit disappointed in taste. Got to tweak those brewing parameters.
the tea base is really different vs Vanille des îles.
This one is a strong assam which turns bitter with long steeps.
Jamaïque’s main host is really rhum to me and the strong personnality of its tea base
I’m going to try to brew it longer and cooler, Ysaurella-style next time, to see if it gets even better.
I meant shorter, feh.
You are welcome! Can’t believe I had not spotted this on your shopping list before sending the box
And uh got to make my own taste note of it as well
It was so nice to finally get to try it, thanks again. And GASP! You have not yet produced a tasting note for this? Oh, cteresa.
I was in a hurry! and was in a hurry the next time I had it, and then had tea box samples to try, and a quest to finish teas. But yes been very bad at not making taste notes for this, will have to fix it soon.
Also part of the problem is, I think those two first brews are made were not fair trials, and I should be able to get more out of this. I adore the scent, sooo boozy and decadent, but was a bit disappointed in taste. Got to tweak those brewing parameters.
the tea base is really different vs Vanille des îles.
This one is a strong assam which turns bitter with long steeps.
Jamaïque’s main host is really rhum to me and the strong personnality of its tea base
I’m going to try to brew it longer and cooler, Ysaurella-style next time, to see if it gets even better.
I meant shorter, feh.