This is unlike any Lapsang Souchong I have ever tasted, and I wondered if the labeling was correct as there was no smokiness to the dried leaves and barely a hint in the brew. It is definitely a nice tea, with beautiful small twisted leaves and sweet aroma. To my senses it smells of honey and hops, very pleasantly reminiscent of a late summer day. Maybe even aroma of honey locust and hay. Very, very faint hint of smokiness in later steeps — not at all like the “strong smoky flavor with a smooth finish” stated on the label.
This sample was received as part of the January ’15 Steepster select box, and I do wonder if tea direct from Silver Needle tea Co. has these same characteristics, or whether another tea was substituted.
Flavors: Honey, Hops, Smoke
