Steeping specs: One teaspoon at 212 degrees for 4 minutes in 1 cup of water.
This was an exciting idea for a tea. I’ve tried actual lapsang souchong once and couldn’t get through my mugful (maybe it was a bad idea to add milk, but I couldn’t stand it without milk either so I figured it couldn’t hurt anything). It’s not because I don’t like smoky flavors, either. I love smoked meat (I mean, BACON, right?), and I love campfires although it’s true I don’t eat them. But combining smoky tea with other strong spices that I know I like sounds like a very clever idea. I only wish I’d had it. In fact, I think I might have the rest of that sample packet of Lapsang somewhere; maybe I should go experiment with mixing it with various chais.
After steeping for four minutes I took a good whiff–it smells tantalizingly smoky. This could be either a good thing or a problem, as mentioned above. The color is amber-ish–on the light side for a chai, I think (and I do have the unfortunate tendency to judge my tea’s strength by its color! I’ve been known to waaaaay over-steep my tea just because it didn’t look dark enough to me). A few crumbs of leaf have escaped my basket, so maybe I’ll use the finer mesh next time I steep this. What’s really exciting is that although the smell is smoky, I can smell spices too! Cinnamon, ginger, and possibly clove, I think.
First taste: it’s definitely not tasting like liquid smoke here, which is good! The flavor combo is hard to describe, though. The smoky tang and the warmth from the spices hit me at approximately the same time with each sip, which means it really has a kick! It’s not a super spicy chai, though, so if you’re sensitive to spice that probably won’t be a problem (depending on just how sensitive you are, of course. Some people manage to complain of spiciness in foods that taste basically bland to me).
The smokiness combines especially well with the ginger notes for some reason. Does ginger have a smoky component normally? I don’t know. I just know that this tastes really, really good. The smoke lingers a bit after each sip, but like I said, it’s not overpowering.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Bluebird Tea Co.
Description
We like to do things a bit differently at Bluebird. Our latest infusion is a thoughtful blend of Lapsang Souchong, malty Assam + aromatic masala chai spices. A BREWtiful blend of tea + culture alike!
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
The Bold Scotsman from Tupelo Honey Teas
The Bold Scotsman from Tupelo Honey Teas is said to pay homage to The Outlander Series Books and Characters. I have to admit I haven’t read them but I will tell you what I think about this tea.
It’s not the smokiest of smoky teas but there is still a bit of smoke, indeed! I’m assuming that the smokiness of the Lapsand Souchong was knocked down a bit by the addition of the Assam, Kenyan, and Keemun or maybe it was just because of the ratios used by each of the 4 black tea bases. What ever the case this blended black tea base is really fabulous!
Just because the Lapsang Souchong isn’t the prominent flavor here doesn’t mean this tea isn’t bold. It’s just a different kind of bold. In addition to the slightly smoky flavors I can also pick up on crusty and fruity notes, too! This is one of those teas that makes me say “YUM” out loud while sitting in an empty room by myself. The Bold Scotsman from Tupelo Honey Teas is one of those teas that makes you pause and think of the multiple layers of flavor it leaves dancing in your mouth. This one goes on my RECOMMENDED list! Thanks – The Bold Scotsman from Tupelo Honey Teas!
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Tupelo Honey Teas
Description:
This tea was made to pay homage to the Outlander series books. Named by the local Ahtlander group, The Bold Scotsman is for everyone’s favorite character, Jamie Fraiser.
Bold, peaty, and slightly smoky this tea is best served on a cold day with a hot bowl of parritch.
Ingredients: Assam, Lapsang Souchong
Learn even more about this tea here.
Macdonald’s Highland Blend from Majesteas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Majesteas
Tea Description:
Our own special blend of fine black tea will delight the single-malt whiskey lover. This tea combines peaty smokiness with a hint of citrus.
Region: China, India, Sri Lanka
Leaf: Black, full leaf mixed with cut pieces
Water Temperature: 212F
Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes
Preparation: Makes a good afternoon or morning tea, can be milked and sugared
Flavor Profile: Medium strength, smoky, peaty and smooth
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Macdonald’s Highland Blend from Majesteas is a heavy-duty tea for sure! If you are a fan of Lapsang Souchong this tea will most likely intrigue you! What makes this tea different from your average every day Lapsang Souchong is that this Macdonald’s Highland Blend from Majesteas is a blend of their fine black teas with a hint of citrus. It is VERY smoky and quite ‘peaty’ as well. Majestea says this tea will delight ‘the single-malt whiskey love’ and that it is ‘perfect after a meal.’
It’s nothing short of a ‘slap you in the face’ morning wake-up tea but if you are afraid of smoky teas you have been warned.
The citrus notes are moreso in the front of the sip and the malt finishes everything off. Personally I enjoy this tea after the appropriate brew/infusion times and at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. It seems to bring more of the citrus notes out.
This is an oldie-but-a-goody from my stash that I am not sadly out of. Perhaps this is a smokey tea that you will enjoy! If you do be sure to let us know in comments!
No. 07 Lapsang Souchong Black Tea from Joseph Wesley Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Joseph Wesley
Tea Description:
Joseph Wesley’s Black Tea No. 7 is a malty, robust, full-bodied tea that is as sensual in its appearance as it is seductive in its taste and aroma. A uniquely crafted iteration of the famous and oldest of all Chinese black teas Lapsang Souchong, this tea beautifully balances its smoky undertones with rich malty plum and chocolate overtones. Harvested in the famed tea gardens of the Wu Yi Shan rock cliffs and crafted by the tea masters of the Tong Cheng Village in China’s Fujian Province, this tea’s large, dark leaves provide both a mesmerizing texture as well as a lush and rich amber liquor.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
No. 07 Lapsang Souchong Black Tea from Joseph Wesley Tea is pretty special. So special that I have it tucked away in a safe place that only I know of. I classify this tea as a hidden gem no only in my personal collection but to find and buy online. Many tea drinkers have heard, tasted, and more importantly SMELLED a good, solid Lapsang Souchong but this one separates itself from the others. It’s smoky, yes, but it’s more than just that. No. 07 Lapsang Souchong Black Tea from Joseph Wesley Tea is malty and robust while still offering a hint of ripe plum and dark chocolate notes in the mix. It awakens all the senses without overdoing any one of them. This is also a very ‘forgiving’ tea and what I mean by that is it’s hard to over-infuse. Some strong black teas tend to go bitter if over-infused but not this one! No. 07 Lapsang Souchong Black Tea from Joseph Wesley Tea is certainly in a category of its own!
Sherlock Holmes Black Tea by Adagio
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Adagio
Tea Description:
All at once exotic and mysterious and perhaps a little bit insane, with a lingering hint of smoke.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This is one of Cara McGee’s Sherlock fandom blends, inspired by the character of (who else?) Sherlock Holmes. It’s a blend of Adagio’s Lapsang Souchong, Assam Melody, and Oriental Spice, all of which are black teas. The dry leaf smells reasonably strongly of smoke, with a hint of spice underlying. Exotic and enticing! I used 1 tsp of leaf for my cup, and gave it 3 minutes in boiling water. The resulting liquor is a medium golden brown, so no additions this time.
I will freely admit to being more than a little scared of smoky teas, and particularly Lapsang Souchong. One early experience with a very strong Lapsang really, really put me off, and I’ve been very wary ever since. I’ve tried a few lightly smoked teas since and not been repelled, so I’m hoping that I can perhaps gradually build up an appreciation of smoky teas, given time. My forays into this territory are still fairly rare, though, and this will be the first in a while!
The first sip was taken with a little trepidation! I’m pleased to report, however, that this is palatably smoky. The initial flavour is, of course, the Lapsang Souchong. It’s quite a gentle smoke, though, reminiscent of a just-beginning barbecue rather than a raging bonfire. I think this is owed at least in part to the assam, however, which adds a sweet malt undertone that seems to temper the smokiness a little, rounding off what might otherwise have been quite harsh edges. There’s a spiciness in the midsip that’s very welcome, adding a third string to this particular bow. I can taste cinnamon, clove, and maybe a touch of ginger, although none are particularly strong or overpowering. Mostly, I’m struck by how well balanced this blend is between its three elements – smoke, sweet, and spice. Each flavour can be tasted individually, but they also work well as a cohesive whole to make this an interesting and enjoyable tea. It’s certainly frames each of its constituent parts in a new way! What surprised me most is how smooth this tea is. I’m really pleased that it didn’t turn out acrid or bitter, especially since I’ve not added any milk.
With regard to the fandom aspect of this tea, this blend seems like a fairly fitting tribute to Sherlock. It’s a dark and a little mysterious with its background of almost hidden spice (shrouded in smoke, perhaps?) It tastes like I imagine Sherlock’s coat might smell. This would make a good introduction to smoky teas for someone uncertain (or just plain scared, like me!), or for a fan of flavoured blacks looking to try something a little different. This one’s a winner in my book.
