Black Léopard Smoky Tea by Mariage Frères

Lightly Smoked Black Tea from Iconic French Tea House

Tea type: Black

Flavor: This South African black tea—picked young and smoked lightly with guava leaves—has a subtle smoky flavor with rich notes of malt, toasted nuts and sweet dates.

Drink this tea with: The delicate smokiness of this French tea pairs fantastically with rich meats and wild game, such as with duck confit, pâtés or pork rillettes.

Cooking with tea: Make a tea-infused whipped cream—mix a cup of heavy whipping cream with a tablespoon of loose leaf tea and refrigerate overnight. Strain the tea and cream mixture through a fine mesh strainer, add a tablespoon of sugar and whip until soft peaks form. Add a dollop to a bowlful of seasonal fruit, slices of bittersweet chocolate cake or berry pie.  

Words from Mariage Frères: "Mariage Frères invites you on a sensory journey to Southern Africa.

Tucked away at 1,150m in altitude lies a family plantation known for the quality of its teas for the past three generations.

Southern Africa is a territory with nearly infinite natural resources and a climate structured by the rainy season between November and March. Local tea bushes have adapted to this unique Terroir and produce artisanal harvests rich in flavour. The young, freshly hand-picked leaves are quickly sent to the atelier to be crafted into this particular tea which is then delicately smoked with the leaves of guava trees that grow on the plantation.

To enjoy throughout the day, hot or cold."

Featured in these recipes:

• Smoky Tea & Shoyu-Marinated Eggs