Two chaïs, two ways of spicing black tea, brought together for the first time in one gift set: this is Mariage Frères’ French Dream. The house presents two of its spiced blends in 100 g boxes, matt pearlescent, lacquered and hand screen-printed in France, which make the set an object to give as much as to open.

The first is Chaï Parisien, a black tea with spices and soft, fruity notes, in which the idea of Indian chai has passed through Paris and gained roundness. The second is Chaï Earl Grey, a black tea that combines the house’s imperial spices with the bergamot of Earl Grey, in a meeting of two traditions.

The two complement each other: same family, black tea; same principle, spices; two characters, one fruity and sweet, the other zesty and bright. Enjoy them in the afternoon, plain, with milk, or prepared Indian-style in warm, lightly sweetened milk, and compare. The full composition and brewing parameters of each appear on its box; both may contain traces of tree nuts.

The set is for those who love spiced teas, or for those one hopes to convert. It has its place under the Christmas tree, on a birthday table or as a housewarming gift, and the boxes, once empty, are useful for storing loose leaf for a long time.

Two 100 g boxes, making 200 g of tea in all: enough to spend an entire winter drinking them in turn, according to the mood of the day.