not hit-you-over-the-head smoky like lapsang souchong but a deep woody earthy-ness, almost like eating a warm spiced meal. Absolutely divine. I find lapsang to be too smoky for me personally but this is like a nice earthy middle ground, like a deeper mossier oolong. It undergoes microbial fermentation during aging which adds depth and layers of flavor I haven’t found in any other tea. You can also age it like wine for even more complexity! My dad brewed it in his Yixing clay teapot for my husband and I this week and my husband said it was the best cup of tea he’s ever had.
Feb 27, 2025
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This is one of my all-time favorite teas and is a great addition to your tea cupboard if you enjoy smoky flavor profiles. If you like the smokiness of oolong but want to try something different (and dare I say smokier), this is the tea for you! It is a Chinese black tea smoke-dried over pinewood. The first time I took a sip, it reminded me of camping in the woods, evoking the feeling of an early morning campfire. This is one I would recommend splurging on to make sure you get a good quality product, as I imagine the flavor difference would be pretty significant between the lowest and highest grades. I get mine from Teaism, a DC-based tea house and Asian inspired restaurant. If you’re lucky enough to reside in the DMV area and are a lover of tea, do yourself a favor and check this place out!! You can also order online if you live elsewhere like me.
Feb 2, 2025
I imagine it might already be on your list, but I think it is the most perfect tea, smoked over pine needles in China’s Fujian region. It’s smooth and delicious and smells like a campfire. Bellocq tea has two lovely varieties (great if you happen to be on the east coast of the US). Avoid the twinnings one, I think it might be artificially flavored (It tastes that way). Harney & sons is ok, Upton have a decent one, as do Mariage Freres.
The Smokey earl grey is a great rec too!
Feb 27, 2025
this is a somewhat ancient tea that must be smelled/tasted to be believed!! i was stunned by its depth and smokiness when i first had it! i have only ever had it loose leaf, maybe there are packs available, but dw! loose leaf is super easy! just put the leaves in a little mesh ball (like the pic i've attached, there are variations of this product like with clamp handles, u can find these at the dollar store) and steep it!! im not technical w it at all, i just take it out of the water after ~5mins, and it is delicious and energizing. this is a caffeinated tea
Feb 28, 2024
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