Lapsang Souchong

Just riding back from historic Naples Florida where my mother and I had lunch at Brambles English Tea Room, while Rowan and grandpa went to the park. The owners were Brits and our waitress Jasmine had a lovely accent from I’m not sure where. It was Victorian in decor, pink floral wallpaper and floral china tea cups and small pots. They served almost exclusively Taylor’s of Harrogate (a brand I had heard mentioned the opening weekend of our Teavana store by a busy body tea anglophile customer who just wanted to name drop an talk about who was drinking what) with the exception of a few house blends. My mom had their take on a Royal Wedding Tea with strawberries, kiwi and mango with a salmon salad I had this Lapsang Souchong with my Cornish Pasty which were a fine paring. The tea was medium on the smoke, slightly sweet and quite smooth. It was a bag but whatever. I asked what kind of oolong and she just tried to explain what an oolong was to me but in doing so described it as green and mild so that answered my question. I picked up an over the cup strainer to replace my one that was blackening, this one has a stainless steel mesh body and its own drip base so that’s fabulous. I also picked the husband up some Japanese Cherry Tea just because and treated my mom to some Royal Wedding Tea for at home. I accidentally tipped 20% on the subtotal (three items from the gift shop on top of the meal) tipping the final total to $81, oh well hopefully Jasmine enjoy, she taught is how to pronounce pasty. Lovely afternoon.

I had a sample of a Lapsang from DAVIDs the last time I placed an order with them, and I was intrigued by it. I only got to try one steeping of it, but now that it’s summer I’ve been craving that smoky sort of flavor. Yesterday I picked up Virtuous’ Lapsang, and I was in a British candy store with my sister today, and I decided to get this one as well.

Not a huge fan of bags, although they are terribly convenient, but a friend (English, raised in France) swears by ToH.

I do like this though! It’s my second Lapsang, and it’s been awhile since I had the first. It’s a bit light, but I didn’t measure my steeping time (it was probably only a minute or two). One bag, 16oz TARDIS mug (because hey, it’s British tea, so I’ll use my British mug… right?). I brewed it hot, but then realized just how hot it actually was outside… so added ice cubes in to cool it off.

Light black tea flavor, dark brown liquor, lots of smokiness. Lighter than I’d like, but next time I’ll steep it longer or add another bag. One thing I’m happy about is the utter lack of bitterness. It’s dark, but it’s smooth.

Current fave: steeped long to bring out the smoky flavor/aroma.

Not a fan of lapsang souchong, my father loves this brand though. When brewed it almost smells like smoked mozzarella.

I am a lover of Lapsang Souchong, and of Taylors of Harrogate in general. This tea is pretty good. I don’t particularly love fannings in my tea bag, which this is, but there is a nice smokiness to this tea. I used two tea bags , covered while steeping, added a tablespoon of agave, no milk, and some ice cubes to drink it faster (I am a baby with excessive heat). I’m satisfied with how this came out.

Delightful! I like it with milk.

Among my favorites. First heard of this variety years ago while reading Centennial by James Michener — fascinated by the description of the mountain man’s first taste of this “smoky, tarry” tea. I probably sampled Twinings the first time. Started sampling Taylors teas a couple of years ago and this one is one I always have around. I take it with milk or half-and-half.

The bagged version of this really disappointed me — like drinking ashtray leavings. Flat, stale and nearly tasteless. And I adore smoky tea. Loose in the black tin with the green lid: quite good. Doesn’t take multiple infusions well, I find, but I can forgive that when one cup is as good as this.

Smoky and distinctive, Lapsang is one of my favourites.