The Great Escape - Azure Horizon No. 11

"A window open onto an infinite summer sky. The unexpected meeting between the vegetal freshness of Green Tea, the floral nobility of Lavender, and the enveloping indulgence of Vanilla."

There are teas that tell stories of faraway lands, and others that evoke more intimate memories, simple moments of grace. Imagine a spring afternoon, a solitary walk in the heart of a flowering meadow, under an immaculate blue sky. The air is soft, charged with scents of earth and sun-dried flowers.

It is this precise sensation of freedom and lightness that Arnaud Sion, in his ceaseless quest for the best vintages around the world, wanted to capture for the Comptoir de Toamasina with this number: Azure Horizon.

For Number 11, Arnaud did not seek to reinvent the wheel, but to select an existing masterpiece of balance, a "Countryside Hike" that moved him with its precision. He found this rare blend that succeeds in uniting strong contrasts. It is not simply a tea; it is an invitation to lie down in the tall grass and watch the clouds pass by.

A Selection of Terroirs: The Harmony of Contrasts

This blend stands out for the quality of its components. Arnaud was seduced by the complexity of this composition which layers three distinct olfactory landscapes.

1. The Vegetal Base: The Green Tea Duo

The foundation of this infusion is a skillful alliance of two great teas from China.

• Chun Mee (Old Man's Eyebrow): This classic green tea with twisted leaves offers a frank, slightly tangy attack and a beautiful structure. It provides the "meadow green" note essential to the balance.
• Jasmine Green Tea: More subtle, it infuses an aerial floral elegance. Unlike the more "earthy" Chun Mee, jasmine lifts the tasting towards the sky and prepares the palate.

2. The Heart of Provence: Lavender

This is the soul of this tea. The use of lavender in infusion is a delicate art: too much, and it recalls soap; perfectly dosed, it is divine.

• Here, the Lavender is worked in impressionist touches. It evokes the fields of southern France warmed by the sun. Its camphor and floral notes soothe the mind instantly and open up the breathing. It is what gives this "Sky Blue" color to the experience.

3. The Final Caress: Vanilla and Citrus

To bind the strength of the green tea and the character of the lavender, a gentle link was needed.

• Vanilla: This is the touch of genius. Vanilla smooths the edges, coating the lavender with a creamy softness. It transforms a floral herbal tea into a true gourmet treat.
• Orange and Lemon Peels: They bring the light. These zest notes wake up the blend, preventing the vanilla from being too heavy. They recall the sun's rays piercing through the foliage.

The Sensory Profile: A Bucolic Softness

Tasting The Great Escape No. 11 means agreeing to slow down the pace.

On the Nose: As soon as the bag is opened, you are transported. The scent is powerful and captivating: lavender dominates first, immediately followed by the sweet warmth of vanilla. It is a comforting smell, like clean linen dried in the wind in a flower garden.

To the Eye: A limpid liquor, of a tender golden yellow, bright as a spring sun.

On the Palate: The attack is fresh, carried by the Chun Mee green tea and lemon zests. Then, the floral heart unfolds: lavender invades the mouth with nobility. Finally, the finish is incredibly round, long, and sweet thanks to the vanilla that lingers on the tongue like a childhood memory.

Why did Arnaud Sion select this tea for you?

Preparation Tips: Delicacy Above All

This selected blend is precious. To not "bruise" the notes of lavender and jasmine, gentleness is key.

• The Water: Filtered water is imperative. Hard water (limescale) would kill the finesse of the vanilla.
• The Temperature: 70°C to 80°C (158°F - 176°F). Careful, this is a delicate green tea. Water that is too hot would make the Chun Mee bitter and mask the vanilla. Be gentle with it.
• The Time: 2 to 3 minutes. It is short, but sufficient. Lavender releases its oils very quickly. Beyond that, its taste would become too overpowering.
• The Dosage: 12 to 15g per liter. Be generous so that the vanilla can fully express itself.

Let yourself be guided along the paths.
With Azure Horizon No. 11, the sky is always blue.