Long, fine, undulating needles, with the black of obsidian dotted with golden tips: the craftsmanship of Brume du Pacifique, which Mariage Frères compares to the work of a goldsmith, is visible as soon as the pouch is opened. It is a plain black tea from Colombia, grown on the steep slopes of the Cordillera des Andes, under sustainable cultivation, on soils nourished by the water of snow-capped peaks.

Colombian tea is a recent discovery for European enthusiasts, and this one shows what a slow cultivation can achieve, allowing the leaves time to develop subtle, fruity aromas. It is a plain tea, with no added flavouring; the full list of ingredients appears on the packaging and on this sheet. The house’s Jardin Premier label appears on this tea.

The infused leaves make a gourmet picture, in which the house recognises a tamarillo jam, that tart Andean fruit, and the floral notes of a grand cru dark chocolate. The liquor, mahogany with ruby-red tones, is round and malty, with hints of hazelnut; on the palate, the sensations are clear and balanced, with gentle spices blending with a flavour of sesame nougat, and the finish is warm.

It is drunk during the day, plain, at lunchtime or in the afternoon, with a chocolate dessert, sesame biscuits or a poached fruit. It can handle a splash of milk in the morning, but it is plain that it shows its full character.

Allow 2.5 g of leaves per 200 ml of water at 95 °C and five minutes of infusion. Brume du Pacifique is weighed and packed to order in our shops in Bordeaux and Nice, from the 5 g sample to the kilo, in a pouch designed to preserve its taste.