Pleine lune presented a rather jarring bitterness, with a pronounced note of bitter almond. The aromas were exceedingly strong, which might fare better as an iced tea. The mouthfeel was notably thick and accompanied by a certain astringency that brought to mind cough syrup, despite my efforts to steep it gently.
This particular brew struck me as overly perfumed and robust. The flavour combination seemed cluttered – too many flavours without the elegance one might anticipate.
I wonder if my experience was a mere anomaly or a rogue batch that somehow escaped Mariage Frères’s usual quality control. I had good expectations, but I was left disillusioned. It fell short of the grace and depth I associate with Mariage Frères and other French teas.
Flavors: Almond, Bitter
