The People's Tea

HGTTB

I will not look at other tasting notes before I finish this one. While I’m usually a fan of the smell of Lapsang Souchong, I’m usually not as big on the actual taste. I literally shoved my nose in the bag after I took the last on this tea out. While the smoke is the first thing that I immediately notice, it doesn’t take over. There’s just a hint of sweet, almost fruitiness to it, that I’m attributing to Oolong. Raisin, maybe even a bit of bread? This is a great, flavorful cup. It doesn’t make my mind scream “zomg” Rather, it makes me picture a dewy autumn morning, and a campfire just gone out. It’s not overpowering, but bold enough to keep my attention. Black and smokey, just a touch of wood, followed up by a lingering sweetness. It seems very well blended. The words “young” and “fresh” come to mind. I really need to get some of this for nights spent by a campfire.

I opened the package to be greeted with the essence of Lapsang Souchong. I am usually not a fan of the overwhelming taste of smoke and charcoal, but I took a chance. While brewing the aroma does resemble wet wood and socks, which wasn’t the best. The brew itself though is very flavorful. I can distinct the taste Lapsang Souchong, but it has calmed out. The dominant smoke flavor has smoothed unto a more soft pine flavor. The oolong adds a slight desert floral hint. The liquor is a bright bronze! Its a very nice blend and simply tasteful.

Now, I was probably predisposed to like this because Anlina wrote such glowing reviews of it, but having said that… this is really delicious. The sweet, floral, creaminess of the oolong really balances well with the smokiness of the lapsang. It’s easy and very pleasant to drink. Yum. :)

Tippy’s version of The people’s tea is a nice a simple blend. I like that they use a jade/lightly oxidized oolong in this blend! A lot of other blends that I have tried use a darker oolong or no oolong at all (Could it really be called a true Russian Caravan then?)

The tea unfolds in the prettiest way in my glass gaiwan. It’s teas like theses that remind me why I still use that thing :P The color is clear, and a ochre brown. The tea is quite fragrant, in and out of the cup. While the smoke flavor of the lapsang is strong on the dry nose, I am happy to confirm that it is not strong in the subsequent brews. It is however, the flavor that stays with the tea the longest. The oolong gives it the thick mouthfeel and the sultry floral aroma. I don’t know, but the combination of masculine Smokey flavors and feminine floral flavors get me every time.
This was a delightful classic blend of teas done well. It goes really good with any fantasy novel! :P

Ah my sweet, reliable People’s Tea, when I need something that’s guaranteed to be delicious. I only got about two sips before I had to work, but it was a lovely cup to come back to when I was done. Smoke and malt and orchid. This is one of the best combinations ever.