Whittard of Chealsea

Back to day 6, which was a fruit-based tea. Evening drinking, basically.

The scent of this one reminded me immediately of David’s Movie Night, but in practice it’s not that good. Sadly, because I adore that stuff.

It’s buttery and there’s lots of toffee, but the apple is lacking. It could stand to be a lot sharper, or even just better defined. There’s a light nuttiness from the macadamia, which is nice.

I enjoyed this one well enough, but it’s on the watery side and not overwhelmingly interesting. At least there’s no hibi!

Just noticed I didn’t have this listed in my cupboard nor have we reviewed it. It technically belongs to youngest, as Superanna buys Lapsang all over the place in her travels just to bring home for little sis!

Not to overshadow the tea itself, but these tins are gorgeous. Our first was a small blue tin, and this newest one is a large grey tin – absolutely gorgeous and oh so manly looking, and why not? If a tea can be manly tasting, I would say Lapsang qualifies. Like pipes and Scotch in a gentleman’s study.

Did you know that Patrick Stewart wanted Captain Picard to drink Lapsang and the producers said that no one would know what that was, so they made it Earl Grey instead and now poor Patrick gets scads of Earl Grey from fans, and I bet he would rather have Lapsang?

Moving on…this is stronger in smoke than the parcel of Lapsang from Postcard teas, which is tasty but isn’t smokey enough for youngest. The smoke level is great in this one, but I do wish that perhaps the base could be a little more present. I would definitely buy it again, don’t misunderstand, but this is a common problem with Lapsang. Why cover up an amazing base tea with smoke? But a great base makes a difference. Even Black Dragon from Upton was a little weak in the base for me.

So far my favorite Lapsang ever was the incredibly expensive Wuyi Shan Lapsang from Harney and Sons which ran about twelve dollars an ounce. I would buy it again right now. Lapsang Crocodile from Dammann Freres was awesome, too. And Teavivre and Zen Tea both had great Lapsang teas as well.

This one is very good, though, until that someday when I restock the top shelf stuff.

Another sample (gift) from Steepster ashmanra, my wife and I waited until we had time to try it as a couple.

It’s smokiness is boldly evident in the leaves – dry or steeped. I was warned Lapsang Souchong was an acquired taste, and I have apparently acquired it. The aroma of smoke is forward enough that it masks the flavors that scream to be identified. Cloves, maybe? Cinnamon?

Whatever it is, I like it. My wife’s one word review: “Smoky”. I asked if she wanted more and got another one word response: “yes”.

I think this is something I’d stock for the purpose of sharing or drinking on a cool day. Steeped it twice so far, going significantly longer the second time around. I am going to attempt more…until the leaves give up. It’s that good.

Jeremy and Andrea just came back from a trip to London and in thanks for taking care of their cat, brought me back a jar of this fruit tisane. It is delicious. As advertised, it tastes like toffee and apples. I added a spoonful of plain rooibos tea to to this because my wrists have been hurting but I don’t think it impacted the flavor much. A pinch of sugar and some almond milk, and this is like dessert in a cup. YUM.

I just wish it had some cinnamon, because in my mind, apple and cinnamon always go together. I should add a bit next time.

steel mesh Ball infuser and chain. You spoon your tea into one open half of the infuser and close the other half making a ball. Then you put the infuser Ball in the mug or teapot to infuse for 5 mins.

The steel mesh ball and chain comes in two sizes big and small or with a small square on the end of the chain to Hold. After. Use open the mesh ball and tip out the tea leaves.