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Missy

Lapsang Souchong Imperial (ZS80) from Upton Tea Imports

Missy drank Lapsang Souchong Imperial (ZS80) by Upton Tea Imports

I was interested in lapsang souchong because I’ve read they are smokey teas. Of course, I see that Bonnie does quite a bit with them when cooking and I was curious.

I’m not really sure what to think about this one yet. I feel like I’m drinking liquid smoke with a smidge of tea. I only really know it’s tea because there is that familiar tea bite. I didn’t find any bitterness or much astringency. I’m thinking this is of decent quality.

I don’t think this is some thing I would really keep in my cupboard. I enjoyed trying it but I think I’d like it more in a blend. A little less smoke would make me happy.

2012-05-19 18:36:44 -0400

205 °F / 96 °C

3 min 0 sec

I Like This

15 likes

14 comments

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Comments

ashmanra 2012-05-19 19:04:36 -0400

Have you tried Baker Street by Upton? YUMMY!

Autumn Hearth 2012-05-19 19:07:41 -0400

While I prefer the LS Black Dragon, I did finish up the last of the Imperial a few nights ago. I brewed it with really short steeps and a rinse and it was actually sweet and delicious though still definitely smokey. The Black Dragon is a more buttery tea base and that’s the one I’ll be re-ordering in the fall.

Missy 2012-05-19 19:08:13 -0400

Not quite yet but we did get some with our order. :D

One other thing I noticed is after drinking this tea any thing that is sweet now has super powers. It really seems to magnify sweet things.

Amy oh 2012-05-19 19:16:48 -0400

I used to really dislike smoky teas but they are starting to grow on me a bit more!

Missy 2012-05-19 19:19:20 -0400

I’ll have to look into that LS Black Dragon then. The smoke wasn’t a really bad taste, it just powered out every thing else.

ScottTeaMan 2012-05-19 19:24:16 -0400

Infusing LF in sauces would be good too! :))

ScottTeaMan 2012-05-19 19:24:57 -0400

Baker Street is a nice blend.

Bonnie 2012-05-19 19:37:37 -0400

Put some in the water when steaming broccoli. Some people drink it with sugar and cream. I have a sweet whisky hard cheese that I eat along side with it and it’s wonderful. There are lighter versions. Also, overly sweet tea’s can be enhanced with a pinch of smoke.

Cheryl 2012-05-19 20:02:36 -0400

I still dislike smoky teas, lol. Missy, LS Black Dragon is very smoky too, but have nothing to compare it too.

Missy 2012-05-19 21:23:32 -0400

I’ll have to give that baker street a whirl and see how it does. I do have to say it really brings back camping memories.

Missy 2012-05-19 21:31:59 -0400

Thanks for the cooking type Bonnie. :D

Bonnie 2012-05-19 23:08:17 -0400

Funny Lupicia just emailed me a marinade recipe for BBQ steak using….Lapsang Souchong!

Missy 2012-05-20 02:21:37 -0400

Lol what a coincidence!?

Kittenna 2012-05-20 02:52:47 -0400

IMO smoky teas are better in blends than straight. In particular, I think of 52teas Mayan Chocolate Chai for a nice hit of smokiness, but not too much. I think their ‘Smoky Chocolate’ was a bit much for me though. So, I’d definitely suggest blending it! Or using it in recipes – I looooooove smoked meat, and think it would add fabulous flavour to so many things, as Bonnie frequently tells us!

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I’ve discovered I really like the spicy, nutty teas. Some fruity teas are pretty good but they are hit and miss for me. Flower teas really aren’t my thing right now. Seems like my preferences are changing so this may be different in the future.

Tea Rating system:

90 – 100: This is a tea I will always have on hand at work, and at home. I will leave it on altars as offerings of perfection.

80 – 89: This, or one of it’s close cousins, will likely be in my cabinet at home. When this tea runs out, I will buy more. I’ll always wonder if there is something better, but be too afraid to look to stray from home to find it.

70 – 79: Definitely good, but not a clear winner. I enjoy it, I’ll finish it, but I probably won’t buy it again until I’ve exhausted all other versions of this product from any reputable retailer. Though, it may enjoy a resurrection for custom blending.

60 – 69: This tea is okay, but definitely not something I’m going to brew again. I’m going to give what I have left away.

30 – 59: I didn’t finish drinking this tea. I actually poured it out, and went for something else. I’ll still give this tea away, but I’ll do it with a warning and a plead for forgiveness.

0 – 29: This tea is riding securely towards an iceberg at the helm of the failboat. I’ve taken this out of my tea tin, and laid it on a napkin as potpurri. I do not consider it fit for human consumption.

Yes, I did copy this from Dylan. It’s okay we share every thing any ways.