Memories of childhood, of shared moments, of the warmth of a home in December: this is what Mariage Frères set out to capture in Noël Amour, a black tea with gentle spices and Christmas fruits. It comes in a black collector's flask with a double lid, decorated with garlands like a fir tree, and containing 80 g of tea.

The declared composition combines black tea, apple, cinnamon, almond, pink peppercorns and aroma. Almond is listed as an ingredient; the blend may contain traces of nuts. It is listed in the catalogue under the Jardin Premier label. The caffeine content is moderate.

On the nose, cinnamon and apple dominate, like a tart fresh from the oven. On the palate, the black tea gives body and a warm liquor; the apple brings its fruity sweetness, the almond a milky roundness, and the pink peppercorns leave a slight prickle on the finish that keeps the indulgence in check. No sugar is added, but there is an impression of sweetness from gentle, well-measured spices.

It is the tea for December teatimes, with gingerbread, a cinnamon shortbread or a slice of Yule log. It is drunk plain, or with a splash of milk that draws it towards chai; some prefer a touch of honey. Nothing stops you opening it in January or November: gentle spices suit the whole winter.

Allow 2.5 g per 200 ml of water at 95 °C and five minutes of infusion, enough time for the apple pieces and spices to release their full aroma. Once the bottle is opened, close both lids after each use and keep it away from heat and humidity, which dried fruit attracts.