Lapsang Souchong

I’ve never had Lapsang Souchong before so I don’t know how well it holds up to other brands but I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised on how much I ended up liking it.

It smells like campfire and I initially bought it solely for cooking purposes (there are some good recipes out there that use this tea as a rub). My curiosity peaked and I finally made myself a cup last night. I was amazed by the complexity of the flavours. Yes, there is a dominating (almost nostalgic) smokiness to it but I also got buttery and spicy notes and, call my crazy, but there was almost something sweet beneath it all too. I’m impressed. I have yet to re-steep it and I can’t say I would want to drink it it all the time but I will be looking more into this kind of tea. It’s intriguing, comforting, and yummy.

This is on the milder end of the spectrum as far as smokiness goes. I was struck by how balanced the cup was. The sweet, almost wine-like, taste of the fermentation is present and there is a slight smokiness particularly as the cup cools. The taste did not diminish or flatten much in the second or third steepings.

I generally reserve Lapsangs for special occasions when I literally need some fire in my belly, but this one provides a nuanced cup that will find it’s way into the rotation more often.

At this point this is my favorite lapsang though I have tried few others. The tin smell is strong like campfire which is off putting to many but the brew is deep black with a smoky sweet finish and often my daily pot at work. I brew twice with little difference between pots. Surprisingly tolerant of brew times I have had a delicious cup well past 5 minutes. Take note that this is heavy on caffeine for those that are intolerant this tea can give you a long lasting high.

Very good in cooking too, steeped while soaking lentils gives you a tasty bacon flavor without the fat. Murchies lapsang is more bacony and is better for cooking.