China Mist Leaves Pure Tea Organic Lapsang Souchong Whole Leaf Loose Black Tea

by Leaves Pure Teas

Product Features

• Teas packed with oxygen eaters to preserve freshness
• Re closable zip bag
• Very aromatic

Product Description

Cool pine smoke swirls around this nice Chinese tea and imparts its aroma and flavor. Delicious straight or with milk or sweetener. Great as an addition to your marinades and rubs for meat, chicken and fish for a smokey flavor.

Product Details

• Item Weight: 4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0000V1BEI
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,504 in Grocery & Gourmet Food (See Top 100 in Grocery & Gourmet Food)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, Strong Smokey Flavor, July 30, 2009

By 

Herbert Thompson (Bordentown, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: China Mist Leaves Pure Tea Organic Lapsang Souchong Whole Leaf Loose Black Tea (Misc.)

I am a Lapsang Souchong fan. This variety has a good, strong smokey flavor. This tea is not for the faint of heart but if you truly enjoy Lapsang Souchong taste this one. If you prefer a tea with less smoke, try Taylors of Harrogate Taylors of Harrogate Lapsang Souchong Leaf Tea, Loose Leaf, 4.41-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2).

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars smokey and smooth, September 3, 2009

By 

Barry J. Middlebrook - See all my reviews
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This review is from: China Mist Leaves Pure Tea Organic Lapsang Souchong Whole Leaf Loose Black Tea (Misc.)

You'll either love this tea or hate it. If you like barbecue or smoked meats of any kind, chances are you'll like this tea. I have to disagree about drinking it pale. The proper way to drink this tea is by pouring boiling water on it and steeping for 5 minutes, which usually make it fairly dark. Unlike other teas, it seems to stay smooth-tasting even when you make it strong and has a nice reddish color to it. I can't get enough of this tea. On the other hand, my wife absolutely hates the flavor.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smoke me a bowl...of tea, March 12, 2010

By 

Zack Davisson "japanreviewed" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: China Mist Leaves Pure Tea Organic Lapsang Souchong Whole Leaf Loose Black Tea (Misc.)

I first heard about Lapsang Souchong while reading The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide, where they described the history and manufacturing process for the unique tea, as well as saying that it's strong smoky flavor had a "love it or hate it" reputation amongst tea drinkers. Well, my favorite beverage in the world is the Islay whisky Laphroaig, and I have heard those exact same terms used to describe its flavor many, many times. I knew I had to give Lapsang Souchong a try.

Of course, there are many Lapsang Souchong's available, and it was really just a gamble to decide which one to chose. I wanted a loose-leaf tea, since they tend to be of superior quality to tea bags. I had heard the Taylors of Harrogate Lapsang Souchong Loose Leaf described as a "beginner's Lapsang Souchong," with a less-intense smokiness and I knew I didn't want that. If "less-intense" was what my palette demanded I wouldn't reach for a bottle of Laphroaig! Another reviewer recommended this China Mist product (sold under the name of their imprint company "Leaves Pure Tea") as being a good example of Lapsang Souchong. The price and quantity were just right so this is what I picked.

I am extraordinarily pleased with this purchase, and now am a dedicated fan of Lapsang Souchong. The aroma is an intense smokiness, although the flavor is much more delicate. I went with the recommended steeping time of five minutes in under-boiled water, and that seemed just about right. If this tea is "love it or hate it," I definitely fall into the "love it" category.

The tea comes packed in an air-tight package with an oxygen-eater insert so it is as fresh as modern technology can make it. The zip-lock bag is re-sealable, which is nice. I can't find any details on the grade of the tea, or where is was processed but I assume for the price we are not dealing with a top-quality first-flush product, but for something that has been smoked over pinewood for so long you don't really need the most delicate leaves!

Aside from enjoying a glass of Lapsang Souchong, it is really wonderful for cooking. "The Story of Tea" has a Lapsang Souchong ice cream recipe that I want to try out, and I recently used some in a soup I was making as a replacement for liquid smoke. It turned out fantastic, with the tea lending a complex smokiness to the dish.