Seven Cups Lapsang Bohea 2006

Description (from sevencups.com): Bohea (Boo-he) is the world’s first black tea created purely by the innovative tea farmers in the small Tongmu village in Northeastern China. This certified organic tea comes directly from the original Lapsang Farm in the WuYi Mountains. This tea is made from young tea buds and fresh leaves creating a deep amber liquor and clean, sweet flavor known as longan, the trademark of Bohea tea. Most Asian palates prefer the its delicate flavor to the heaviness of the Lapsang Souchong, which is primarily consumed by the British. When this tea first came to the markets in Fuzhou during the end of the 17th century, the buyers were very interested in this new style of tea. When asked the name they were told it was “Wu Yi Cha” which they pronounced as Bohea.

Review: Before I start rambling about this tea, I would like to point out that for once, I don't think the tea leaves really resemble the ones in the photo. This photo has tea leaves that appear shiny, like some kinds of yunnan, and the Bohea that I received is flat black -- there is really no shimmer to it. I don't really care (I didn't buy the tea because it was shiny, though I do sometimes buy things because they are!) but Seven Cups is generally really good about representing their blends. This one falls a bit short.

I love lapsang. It is kind of weird because I hate smoked food, including smoked fish. This tea absorbs a flavor that food oodly leaves behind. Actually when I get a crappy lapsang souchong, we use it as meat rubs or throw a few tablespoons into the slow cooker with steak or pork. I promise, it's delicious. It's sweet and juicy and it tastes like pine.

This smells incredibly clean. I will say that while I am hesitant to like strong teas, I don't mind strong smoked teas; this is very, very delicate, mild, despite its dark red color. It has more of a smooth, sweet black tea taste than a sweet smoky one. It has a bit of a burnt taste and smell that is not really characteristic of other lapsang teas. I am curious to hear why these farmers are called "innovative" in the description. Do they do something unique or different?

If you're looking for a mild, incredibly clean, pure lapsang without a strong smoky flavor, this is it. When I purchased this, I also purchased some Imperial Lapsang Souchong, and I like that more because it's stronger, but this is much cleaner. It's very smooth, somewhat sweet, and brews a really beautiful red color. I don't think it's my favorite, due to its mild smoke flavor, but it's delicious and will join the ranks of my breakfast teas.

The Good: delicious, pure, clean, brews an incredible color, love the burnt taste
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: Seven Cups Lapsang Bohea 2006