Try Something New: Lapsang Souchong Tea

Have you ever tried smoky tea of any sort?  Sometimes I’ve seen it called Lapsang souchong or Russian Caravan (a slightly milder version).  Often you can find it in grocery stores as Hu Kwa.

 

If you’ve never tried it before, I recommend trying a cup of it before you buy a whole tin.  I discovered it in college, and learned to love it, especially in the fall and winter.  It smells like a camp fire because the leaves are smoke-dried over a pine fire, but tastes a little different.  It’s a black tea, so you’ll want to steep it for five minutes in boiling water.  I never have it with milk or sugar, but if you do, and you like it, I’d love to hear about it.

Have you ever tried smoky tea?  Do you like it?  Any other tea recommendations?