Ok, something really weird, and very serendipitous, happened. Yssah shipped me this tea in the midst of many other samples (which all look amazing, Yssah, so thanks so much!). However, one of the samples, directly next to it, was a Lapsang Souchong. So when I realized the other teas might be polluted, I thought they’d be ruined… Except not!
The mango tea itself is great- strong mango flavor, not too sweet, as good as any I’ve had. But here’s the real kicker… it picked up this subtle smokey undertone from the Lapsang Souchong. So now I’ve got this sample of a smokey, mango black tea. And I couldn’t be happier.
My roommate and I both agree this is one of the most delicious teas we’ve had to date. I attribute some of that to the Lapsang pollution, because the subtle smokiness is what makes it stand out from previous mango teas.
For the record, Yssah has assured me she’ll be double-bagging Lapsangs and EGs in the future, but I am not at all disappointed with this swap. I noticed the Passion Fruit is similarly polluted, and am insanely excited to try it tomorrow.
I want some mango lapsang! That sounds fantastic!
I really think that too few blenders attempt to experiment with a) lapsang souchong, and b) genmaicha. There are tons of awesome possibilities out there just waiting to be blended! This may be one!