The Big Smoke

Recently split a Bird & Blend order with Marika and I added in a sample of this tea to the other – I thought I’d tried all of the Lapsang blends from B&B but I guess I missed this one or skipped it over for some reason I don’t remember.

I’m impressed though! It’s definitely got a smokey surface note to it but that pine-y top notes hides some surprising complexity underneath. Robust, earthy shou pu’erh provides a solid foundation and adds some real weight to the sip, but the hint of woody and bright lemongrass adds dimension and a playfulness while the tickle in the back of my throat from the peppercorn and ginger really just ties it all together with a fancy ribbon. It’s so interesting and well balanced, and I feel like I’m immediately in love.

I like the smell coming from the zip-bag – solid but not overwhelming smokiness, spiciness from the red peppercorns, a bit of citrusy notes. Very inviting.
After steeping the aroma is more mellow, with less smoke, but it still has this spicy and citrusy touch.
And the taste? Distinctive pu-erh notes, a bit of smoke, slight sweetness, slight peppery spicyness well matched with the citrusy lemongrass. Plus some earthiness in the background.
Nice tea to drink on an autumn evening, but I certainly wouldn’t call it “The Big Smoke”. More like the moderate one. :)

The builders’ tea to end all builders’ teas? Given the mix, though, it’s amazing that the smoke isn’t entirely overwhelming — which it isn’t! It’s rather like drinking a very strong cup of black tea while sitting next to a slightly smokey campfire. I’m not sure this will become a regular cup for me — I don’t know if I’m that fond of Lapsang — but it’s one of the nicer smokey mixes I’ve had.

Another of B&B’s shop blends that I get to sample from Cameron B! Thanks so much! Only one tasting note for this one so far. This might be the boldest tea that B&B has created, only because it is a combination of ripe pu-erh and lapsang souchong. Those are some strong flavors. The smokiness is definitely there, not too strong with a sweet flavor. There is a note of raisins in one of these elements. The pu-erh flavor might hide behind the smoke. I know I like B&B’s pu-erh from their Coffee Pu-erh blend. I didn’t think there was much of the other elements in the cup (ginger, lemongrass, peppercorn) but now that I’m thinking of it, there are some distinct notes of lemongrass. Ginger is not something I love, but it might definitely be drowned in these other flavors. I’d probably like this blend without the lemongrass and ginger here. With other fun ingredients, this blend might have been amazing. I think I might like this Lapsang Souchong more than I like B&B’s Ceylon, but I don’t think the smoke would work with most of the amazing flavors they create.
Steep #1 // 1 teaspoon for a full mug // 10 minutes after boiling // 2 minute steep
Steep #2 // 8 minutes after boiling // 3 1/2 minute steep

310/365

The third of Bird & Blend’s Store Blends collection – this one being the tea created for their London Borough Market store. It’s a mixture of Pu’erh and Lapsang, with ginger, lemongrass, and red peppercorns.

I’m not usually a fan of smoky teas, but the idea generally appeals more on cold days like today. This one is mostly mild smoke with an edge of ginger, and just a touch of warming pepper in the background. The pu’erh gives it a mild earthiness, but it’s not too pungent. It’s heavier on the Lapsang, but not too overpowering – I’d describe it as a “soft” smoke. It’s very smooth, and not at all acrid.

I’m surprised to say I actually like this one. I’ll happily drink it on the colder days ahead, and it might even make me reconsider my position on smoky teas in general.