The Tandem Tea Tasters (is that what we are calling ourselves?) took a bit of a break while we awaited the arrival of +Rachana Rachel Carter‘s bundle of joy. There was a lot of catching up to do and the usual contagious giggle fits started early on. Our tea this month was Thé Du Hammam from Le Palais des Thés. Some of might remember that I have already reviewed the tea in both the loose leaf and iced tea bag. Thanks to the tea’s French origins, we were treated to several Pepé Le Pew style outbursts from +Geoffrey Norman. +Darlene Meyers-Perry shared with us the amazing Turkish style glasses that she found at Goodwill and +Jo J did well as always to keep us (sort of) on topic.
The group reactions to this tea were mixed. There was much pondering over the Turkish description on the product page. We all agreed that it was a decidedly French style tea, very fruity and floral with an almost perfumy quality. I really didn’t mind that aspect but I can see why others might not have enjoyed it. Our hangout lasted longer than the tea as we gossiped and Googled into the night. Rare oolongs and unusual puerhs were frantically searched for and in doing so, I think we all learned more than we had expected to.
There really is nothing better than nerding out with your friends, especially when it comes to tea. Even though we are all miles apart these monthly get togethers make it seem like the distance is not very far at all. Next month’s tea will be a puerh that we are told tastes like it might have been made by Willy Wonka.
Edit: It’s actually a compressed black tea!
+Geoffrey Norman of Steep Stories, Tandem Tastings and Tea Moment Tags
+Rachana Rachel Carter of +iHeartTeas, A French Tandem Tea Tasting
+Darlene Meyers-Perry of The Tea Enthusiast’s Scrapbook, Hanging Out with the Tandem Tasting Crew
+Jo J of Scandalous Tea, Tandem Tea Tasting