The “king of teas”: this is how Mariage Frères describes Darjeeling, and it is the one it has chosen for Imperial Russia, a creation paying homage to the splendour and elegance of imperial Russia. A sumptuous Darjeeling, with refined, floral flavours, is enriched with the ardent, hesperidic notes of a fine citrus variation.

The composition combines tea, cornflower, marigold and flavouring; the blend may contain traces of tree nuts. Cornflower and marigold petals scatter blue and orange touches through the dry leaf, and the Darjeeling contributes its fine leaf and muscat-like accents.

The cup is amber and brilliant, and according to the house it caresses the palate with a velvety texture. The citrus opens, lively and zesty, without tipping into Earl Grey; the Darjeeling then takes over, floral and slightly muscatel, with fine tannins. The finish is long and fresh. It is a Russian-style tea in which the nobility of the leaf keeps the leading role, for those who find classic versions too powerful.

It is drunk at any hour, plain, and especially in the afternoon, with almond biscuits, a citrus tart, candied fruits or an orange cake. Served in a glass with a handle, with a slice of lemon and a little jam on the side, it recovers its original setting; iced, it becomes an elegant summer drink.

Imperial Russia is available loose leaf, weighed and packed to order in our shops in Bordeaux and Nice, from the 5 g sample to the kilo, and in a 100 g airtight black tea tin with a tamper-evident lid, presented in its gift box. The infusion settings specific to each format are given on its product sheet. Keep it away from light and strong odours.