I've had stronger, lower-grade Lapsang Souchong and the pine smoke was uncomfortably overbearing. I've also had much better Lapsang Souchong, but while it was delicious, it lacked the pine notes that I really wanted to taste. This is a perfect middle-ground. I did rinse the tea first so that there was no dust from the smoking process ending up in the tea. Then I brewed it Eastern style using boiling water. It had some really enduring pine notes and something like camphor, some woodiness, and something a bit cedar-like. It had a light sweetness, but also had something of a drying effect on my mouth (different from the astringency of other teas, in my opinion). I didn't like that. It would keep me from drinking this more often. But, I really did find it delicious. I'd definitely like to have some of this in my tea cabinet for when the mood strikes. Thank you, NM Tea Co. for the free sample!
Skye
Somewhere in the woods, NY | 6/8/2025
Verified Purchase