At a glance: a blend of 5 oolong teas scented with lily of the valley and rose. Brewing: 80°C, 2 to 4 min, 12–15 g/L. A floral, silky cup to enjoy at any time of day.
Lady Clochette belongs to that rare family of teas that feel as much like a ritual as a perfume. Its signature: a delicate lily-of-the-valley fragrance, a flower as elusive as it is fleeting, layered over a generous blend of five different oolongs. Each cup unfolds with silky roundness, fresh floral brightness, and a gently creamy finish.
This blend was crafted by Julien Huot, founder of the house, who wanted to offer a springtime take on the world of oolong tea. Browse our selection of oolong teas to continue the journey.
The Aromatic Profile of Lady Clochette
The tasting unfolds in three movements. On the first sip, the nose opens to an immediate floral burst, clear and almost crystalline, evoking white lily-of-the-valley bells on a cool morning. Rose drifts through as a quiet undercurrent, present but never overpowering.
In the heart of the cup, the five-oolong blend reveals its structure. China Oolong provides a broad, velvety base with a faint woody depth. Formosa Tie Guan Yin Premium adds orchid notes and the mineral finesse characteristic of premium semi-oxidized oolongs. China Milky Oolong lends its signature creamy sweetness, soft and almost lush, making this cup instantly recognizable.
The finish is long, fresh, and floral. It leaves a sensation of a garden after rain, a subtle interplay of tender greenery and petals. No bitterness, no astringency: semi-oxidation, sitting midway between green and black tea, naturally smooths the brew.
Lily of the valley, a protected flower, cannot be extracted directly. Its scent is therefore captured through natural lily-of-the-valley and rose aromatics, chosen for their botanical faithfulness and their ability to enhance, rather than mask, the richness of the oolong leaves. This precise balance is what gives Lady Clochette its singular harmony.
Visually, the pearled leaves unfurl during brewing, yielding a bright golden-yellow liquor. For another floral angle, try our orange blossom oolong, or explore the more herbaceous character of our dongaao oolong.
How to Brew Oolong Lady Clochette
A great oolong depends on four precise parameters: the dose, the water, the temperature, and the time. Here is the house method for this blend.
- Dose: 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre of water, roughly one heaped tablespoon for a 50 cl teapot.
- Water: filtered or low-mineral, to let the delicate floral aromas come through undisturbed.
- Temperature: 80°C precisely. Higher, and the lily-of-the-valley and rose notes close up; lower, and the creamy roundness of the Milky Oolong never fully opens.
- Time: 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the intensity you prefer. Start at 2 minutes for a light, floral cup; extend to 4 minutes for a rounder, more structured liquor.
Pour the simmering water over the leaves, cover loosely, and let the tea infuse without stirring. Watch the liquor shift from pale yellow to warm amber gold as the seconds pass. Strain, pour, and take a slow breath before the first sip: the lily-of-the-valley fragrance rises first.
Quality oolongs are made for multiple infusions. You can re-brew the same leaves 2 to 3 times, adding a little extra time with each pass (3 minutes, then 4). Each cup shows a different face: more floral on the first pour, more mineral and creamy on the next. For a deeper dive, visit our guide on how to brew oolong tea.
This tea is best enjoyed as it is, without sugar or milk. It pairs beautifully with a lightly sweet dessert, a butter shortbread, or a fresh cheese, and it holds its own equally well as a quiet aromatic break mid-afternoon. If you love the creamy note, our Milky Oolong is well worth exploring.
Storage
Packaged in our workshop, this tea keeps best in an airtight tin, away from light, moisture, and strong odours. Oolong leaves are sensitive to scent transfer and should be stored well away from spices and coffee. Properly protected, Lady Clochette retains its full floral freshness for 18 to 24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lily-of-the-valley tea?
Lady Clochette from Thés & Traditions stands out as a benchmark, thanks to its blend of five oolongs (including Tie Guan Yin Premium and Milky Oolong) and its true-to-life lily-of-the-valley and rose fragrance. Semi-oxidation brings a silky roundness that green or black tea bases simply cannot replicate.
How do you brew a lily-of-the-valley tea?
Use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre of filtered water at 80°C, and steep for 2 to 4 minutes. Hotter water will close off the floral notes. The leaves can be re-brewed 2 to 3 times in a single tasting session.
Where can I buy lily-of-the-valley tea?
Thés & Traditions offers this blend on its official website, packaged in our workshop. You can also visit our dedicated oolong tea page to learn more about the definition and varieties of this Chinese tea family.
What varieties of lily-of-the-valley tea exist?
Most lily-of-the-valley teas are built on a green tea base, occasionally a white one. Lady Clochette sets itself apart with its oolong base, which is rounder and better suited to the crystalline floral character of lily of the valley. Try Lady Clochette to discover this unique interpretation.
