Wednesday TeaDay 6/17/09 Enigmatic Lapsang Souchong?

[Chip]

Good TeaDay everyone. Please come on in and share what is in your cup today.

Yesterday responders helped celebrate the 10,000 pu-erh subforum post answering if they drank this mysterious brew. You can still vote and discuss yesterday's topic.

Today's YeaPoll and discussion topic. Since TeaChat is an equal TeaOpportunity forum and we did Pu-erh yesterday, let's continue, shall we. How about another somewhat fringe tea that is currently being discussed under Black Tea, Lapsang Souchong? Do you ever drink it, have you ever? Please share your thoughts on this very enigmatic brew.

I am looking forward to sharing TeaDay with everyone today. Bottoms up.

[rabbitsib]

It is best mixed with other tea's like my traditional Russian Tea Blend. Russian Roulette anyone?

[xuancheng]

There are a lot of different kinds of Lapsang Souchong, or at least lots of different levels of quality. We have had boxes of the Twinings brand at my house while I was growing up, and I never could like it much as I tried.

Some of the higher end stuff can compete with any red tea in the category of floral fragrance. Had one quoted at 300 US per pound that was great. I have never personally bought any, though.

[sriracha]

I've realized I don't care much for any smoked tea so, I can't really remember the last time I had any. Rummaging thorugh my parents' tea stash the other day I came across a bag of Twining's Lapsang in a tin. Even without opening the bag the aroma was quite overpowering

In my cup/latte glass today is the same Yunnan as yesterday since I'm at work. =)

[entropyembrace]

I tend to drink Lapsang Souchong several times a week when I have it available Also means it's one I run out of often.

Which reminds me I need to buy more this week. Luckily I can get decent Lapsang from local shops though the best is still from Jing Tea Shop...saving a bit of their 2005 offering to share with my gf next time she's up here

[olivierco]

I had some a few months ago (thanks to scruffmcgruff) but I have so many teas I like better that I don't drink Lapsang Souchong.

Ippodo shincha this morning.

[Victoria]

Yes, on occasion - at least a milder version, like the Bohea, which I love. I don't mind a mild smokiness, but I really don't like it when it is too BBQ or meaty.

I own one that I love the taste of, but I have to be in just the right mood to get past the aroma.

[Trey Winston]

Pretty sure I had some LS at a restaurant some time ago. Not bad, as I seem to recall.

Semi-enjoying some Keemun Concerto right now. 'Tis too weak; alas, I have no more leaf.

[Drax]

Hrm, I bought a sample fro Adagio a month or so ago when I ordered a sample of the chai teas. I still haven't had time to try it, but I'm looking forward to it -- I've certainly had some smoky pu'erhs, but smoke there is a natural part of the preparation process... so LS should be interesting.

I started a 1980s Liu An from Nada yesterday evening, so I am continuing with it this morning. It's quite smooth and has a nice flavor.

[shogun89]

Never had it, Never been to keen to do so either. I guess I'll have to get some just so I can say I have.

[Herb_Master]

I tried it several time between 35 and 45 years ago, at first it was a revelation so different to standard Hong Cha, but the interest faded over the decades. The odd trip down south to Fortnum and Masons in the 60's and 70's saw me buying it BECAUSE it was not available up north.

Now on my Oolong exploration, I would love to try some Lapsang Reserve Oolong, but have no interest in Lapsang Souchong, other than to pay a visit and watch them making it.

[J.]

The first time I tried, I didn't lie it.

Now, I drink it sometimes but very rarely compared to other teas.
I tought about buying some... but I haven't done it up to now.

[olivierco]

Cha Wang Lu An Gua Pian to start an sunny afternoon.

[Salsero]

Thanks to the generosity of Scruff McGruff, I got to taste a couple high end ones, one from TeaSpring and another from Tea Gallery. I enjoyed both of them, but not so much so that I have considered buying some.

These are spent leaves – not from the old sheng from Aaron Fisher of the previous 2 days – but from a different, unlabeled and even better mystery sheng from the same artistic editor-in-chief. Even the little bear got tea drunk on this stuff!

(Click the photo for a closer look.)

[chad]

I drink a really nice "oak smoke" Lapsong I get at a local emporium. I believe it's distributed by Metropolitan Tea. I don't drink it often, but it has a really nice feel and finish, however the rather heavy smoke essence does take getting used to.

Today I'm enjoying the last of my Margaret's Hope Darjeeling.