Thank you so much to ASHMANRA for sending me this tea. I love Lapsangs so I saved this up for a while in order to titillate myself (which is not as obscene as it sounds). It’s delicious!
Warm, naturally sweet, smoky, but not overwhelmingly so, I can understand why it is rated so high. It’s got a level of refinement that I don’t ordinarily associate with a Lapsang. It’s a very nice break from my typical ash-tray tastes in smoky tea.
Thank you!
I really love big, bold, brash teas. Smokiness enthralls me. I don’t seem to do subtle.
I don’t do rooibos.
My rating system:
0-30:
Never again in a hundred million years
31-55: This tea probably has some redeeming qualities but I won’t would not seek it out again.
56-70:
Shows some promise but also has a fundamental flaw. I probably owe these a second taste but am unmotivated.
71-80:
Good with at least one strong quality; I probably would not buy it but would drink it cheerfully.
81-90: Worthy contenders; they might be ranked 100 on somebody’s else’s scale. I like them a lot but have not fallen in love. Will probably buy and use.
91-95: These are the true loves, the chosen ones, the ones I dream about and crave. Unless they are in a limited edition—la! how you tease me!—I will always keep in my cupboard.
96-100: I cannot be separated from these teas and would develop a panic attack if I were to run out.
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“She is too fond of books and it has turned her brain.”
Elderly dowager. Quintessential cat lady.
Tea which must be in stock always:
Black Dragon LS by Upton Teas: My choice every morning.
Florence & Lapsang Souchong by Harney & Sons
a good Gen Maicha
Samovar: Russian Blend, Maiden’s Ecstasy, Ryokucha
Mariage Frères: Confucious, Vivaldi, Eros, Aida, Marco Polo
American Tea Room: Brioche
Leland Teas: Bogart
Life in Teacup:
An Xi Tie Guan Yin Grade II modern green style & also Charcoal Style
In the midst of the middle of the heart of nowhere in particular.
I personally dislike smoky teas. But I have a friend who loves them. I’ve been reading your posts for a while, and I think your tastes would coincide with his very well. Can you recommend some of your favorite teas (smoky or otherwise)?