So, I’ve been on this tea kick lately, trying all sorts of weird and wonderful brews. The other day, I stumbled upon something called “Lapsang Oolong” and my curiosity was instantly piqued. Sounded fancy, sounded smoky… I had to try it.

First things first, I did a little digging online. Turns out, it’s a combination of two pretty distinct teas. You’ve got your Lapsang Souchong, which is famous for that intense smoky flavor, and then Oolong, which is a whole spectrum of tastes depending on how it’s processed. I found a place that sold it and ordered a small batch. This is new terriory, so I am not going to order a super large batch.

The Experiment Begins

When the tea arrived, I eagerly ripped open the package. The smell that hit me was…interesting. Definitely smoky, but not like a campfire, more like a subtle, sweet smoke. There was also a hint of something else, something a bit floral. It must be the oolong!

I heated up some water, making sure it wasn’t boiling. With oolongs, you gotta be careful not to scorch the leaves, you know? I used my trusty old teapot – nothing fancy, just gets the job done. I measured out a couple of teaspoons of the Lapsang Oolong and popped them in.

Brewing and Tasting

I poured the hot water over the leaves and let it steep. The instructions said 3-5 minutes, so I went for the full 5, hoping to get all that smoky goodness.

• Appearance: As it brewed, the water turned a beautiful amber color. Not too dark, not too light.
• Smell: The smoky aroma intensified as it steeped, but it was still balanced by that underlying sweetness.
• Taste: Okay, the first sip was a surprise! The smokiness was definitely there, but it wasn’t overpowering. It mingled with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor, and a hint of something almost fruity. It’s was really complex, and I keep taking more sips.

Final Thought

I finished a cup of this. It is pretty good, a surprisingly smooth and balanced tea. The smokiness adds a unique dimension, but it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors. I’m definitely going to keep experimenting with this one – maybe try different steeping times, or even cold brewing it. It’s a winner in my book!