Tea Blog

I’ve written about smoky teas more than once over the years, usually explaining why they never quite appealed to me. For the longest time, if you asked my opinion of smoky tea, you’d likely receive an enthusiastic thumbs down.

It wasn’t for lack of trying, either. I sampled smoky teas repeatedly, hoping that eventually I would understand what their devoted fans found so appealing. Time after time, however, I reached the same conclusion: they simply weren’t for me.

A Change in Perspective

Then something unexpected happened.

My attitude toward smoky teas began to soften—not dramatically, and certainly not overnight, but enough to make me reconsider a few long-held opinions.

Much of the credit goes to Keemun tea, a celebrated Chinese black tea that can exhibit subtle smoky notes depending on the style and production method.

Unlike heavily smoked teas, some Keemuns offer only a gentle hint of smoke alongside their naturally smooth, wine-like, and slightly fruity characteristics. Those milder expressions helped me appreciate that smoke in tea is not always an all-or-nothing proposition.

Some versions remain too smoky for my taste, but others have earned a place in my tea rotation.

The Challenge of Lapsang Souchong

That doesn’t mean I’ve fully embraced every smoky tea.

Lapsang Souchong, perhaps the world’s most famous smoked tea, still presents a challenge for my palate. Known for its distinctive pine-smoke aroma, it often reminds me more of a campfire than a teacup.

For many tea enthusiasts, that’s precisely the appeal. The bold smoky flavor creates a uniquely memorable tea experience unlike almost any other style.

For me, however, moderation remains the key.

Finding a New Purpose for Smoky Tea

Recently, I discovered an unexpected use for teas that are a little too smoky to enjoy on their own.

Rather than drinking them straight, I’ve started using small amounts to enhance other black teas.

The concept is simple.

Every tea drinker eventually acquires a few teas that aren’t necessarily bad, but somehow fail to excite. They’re perfectly drinkable yet lack character, complexity, or distinction.

Instead of relegating those teas to the back of the cupboard, I’ve found that blending in a small amount of smoky tea can dramatically improve them.

The Art of Tea Blending at Home

Tea blending doesn’t always require elaborate formulas or professional training.

Sometimes, adding a small quantity of a stronger tea can transform an otherwise ordinary blend.

A touch of smoke can contribute:

• Additional depth
• Greater complexity
• A richer aroma
• A more distinctive finish

The key is restraint. Too much smoke overwhelms the base tea. Just enough can create balance and interest.

It’s similar to how a pinch of spice can elevate a recipe without dominating it.

An Unexpected Discovery

A while ago, I received a generous sample of a particularly smoky black tea.

The first time I opened the package, I was convinced someone nearby had started a campfire. After realizing the aroma was coming from the tea itself, I quickly decided it was unlikely to become a personal favorite.

Rather than discarding it, I set it aside with the intention of eventually finding it a new home.

Instead, it found a purpose of its own.

Used sparingly, that smoky tea has become an effective ingredient in several custom blends, helping rescue otherwise uninspiring black teas and turning them into cups I genuinely enjoy.

Keeping an Open Mind

One of the joys of tea is that our tastes continue to evolve over time.

A tea that seems unappealing today may become a favorite years later. Even when preferences don’t completely change, we often discover new ways to appreciate styles we once dismissed.

That’s exactly what happened with smoky teas in my case.

I wouldn’t call myself a devoted fan, and I still don’t seek out heavily smoked teas. Yet I’ve developed a new respect for them and the role they can play in creating interesting blends.

The Bottom Line

Sometimes the teas we enjoy least can surprise us the most.

A smoky tea that seems overwhelming on its own may become the perfect companion for a milder tea that needs a little extra character.

So before giving up entirely on a tea that doesn’t suit your taste, consider experimenting with small blends. You may discover an unexpected combination that transforms both teas for the better.

Who knew a little smoke could be so useful?

See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea commentary, reviews, and tea culture articles.

© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009–2014. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Excerpts may be used with proper credit and links to the original content.