Disclaimer: I’ve ever had Lapsang Souchong before, so this review is not relative to other brands. That said, I LOVE smokey-flavored things. (And as a strict vegetarian, they’re not easy to get!) My all time favorite beer is Rauchbier Marzen (amazing), and I’ve yet to meet a smoked porter that I didn’t like. (Sidenote: You have to try Leaning Chimney by my local brewery, Grey Sail, if you’re a fan of smokey porters.) So I have high hopes for a smokey tea.

Okay, so first impression: When I opened the packet, I was expecting a smell like campfire smoke. Instead, I was reminded of the smell of leather tack. When I was younger, I did a lot of horseback riding. This tea perfectly mirrors the smell I got every time I walked into the tack room. Ah, memories.

Steeped, the aroma mellows out more. Still smells like leather to me, but it’s softer and more muted. I’m also picking up a little bit more of a woody scent.

This tastes like leather to me. Not like a smokey, leathery scotch taste, but more like straight-up leather with a slight aftertaste of smoke. If I can take a sip without inhaling the smell, I get more of the smoke taste, so I think it might just be that the scent is overwhelming my senses on the leather front.

Truthfully, it’s a little bit disappointing as I was hoping for the tea equivalent of a rauchbier. I’m not going to rate this one until I’ve had other Lapsangs to compare it to.

208 degrees for about 1.75 minutes

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A tea fanatic who works in the tech sector, I purchase most of my tea online. The numerical ratings are to help me remember which teas I should re-order. 85+ means it’s worth a re-purchase. (If I ever get through all of the new ones I want to try!)

It’s pretty obvious from my tealog, but I have special place in my heart for flavored blacks and good rooibos. I also love oolongs, but apparently have expensive taste in that area, so I don’t purchase them too often. Learning to appreciate green tea, but not a fan of overly vegetal ones. Whites make a great iced tea.

I love to try new teas and will sample most anything once. Although I’ll usually pass on Earl Grey or super floral blends.

I drink my tea with no additions, unless otherwise noted in the review.

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