Tea of the Week: Elmwood Inn’s Bourbon Black Tea

Lapsang Souchong is one of my favorite teas to cook with, but also one of my least favorite teas to drink. Although I love the idea of a tea fired over pine wood, I often find Lapsang Souchong almost too assertive, better for culinary creations than for everyday drinking. Elmwood Inn’s Bourbon Black Tea is a lighter version of fiery Lapsang Souchong, pleasantly smokey with vanilla and caramel notes for a well-rounded sip.

The tea gets it’s charred bourbon barrel infused taste from blending black tea with just a bit of Lapsang Souchong. The longer you steep this tea, the darker and maltier it will taste. For a cup that’s bold without being brash, I go for a quick 3 minute steep which produces a toasty, cozy cup to warm you up on the chilliest of winter nights.

This robust tea would be delicious with holiday favorites like fruit cakes, panettone, gingerbread, or savory hors d’oeuvres. Rich, decadent bites pair the best with Bourbon Black Tea that’s served straight up, without additions. That being said, if you drink this tea without any tasty bites, milk and sugar will bring out all those luxuriously smooth vanilla and caramel flavors. Single, double, or on the rocks, this refined blend is a treat for both tea and spirit connoisseurs alike!

Tasting Notes for Elmwood Inn’s Bourbon Black Tea:

BREWING TIPS:  Brew with boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Tea brewed for 5 minutes will be distinctively robust and liquor-like.

THE BLEND:  Sunflower and calendula petals mixed with a blend of black teas from India, China, and Sri Lanka.

THE SCENT:  Dark, like charred wood.

THE STEEP:  A brilliant, fiery amber shade of red. This tea is pronounced and bold, like a real bourbon would be. Smooth, smokey, and lightly sweet, with molasses-like flavor.

GET IT:  Online, at Elmwood Inn Fine Teas.

FOOD PAIRING:  S’mores, salted caramels, or any sweets with a bit of char on them (like a creme brulée) would be fantastic with this blend, as they will help to bring out the tea’s smokey notes. Christmas favorites like brandy or rum soaked fruit cake will make the rich bourbon flavors shine. For a savory pairing, try the tea with Chinese Roasted Duck Tarts with Plum Sauce or barbecued meats…a unique food pairing, but my favorite way to enjoy this unique blend!

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eclecticoddsnsods

Oooh looks and sounds exciting. Ive never cooked with lapsang but feel the same with drinking it. What are your thoughts on Ahmad teas? Also im an earl grey lover any recommendations on brand? Xxx

Reply
Bonnie Eng

I’ve definitely seed Ahmad teas, but can’t say that I’ve tried them yet. Here in the US, Ahmad is only available at British tea specialty stores. I’ll have to get some soon, and will report back promptly! In the meantime, it looks like they have a “tea matcher” to help you choose a pleasing blend: http://www.ahmadtea.com/tea-matcher. You might want to check it out to see if it works! 🙂

Reply
Bruce Richardson

Thanks Bonnie for this lovely review! The miniscule amount of lapsang in this blend is a reminder of the notes of char that come from the fired oak barrels that gives bourbon both its color and unique caramel/vanilla notes. It’s been the most successful new product launch we’ve had in 25 years at Elmwood Inn Fine Teas.

Reply
Bonnie Eng

Thank you so much for stopping by Mr. Richardson!! I love this tea, it’s such a unique blend and very satisfying in during this chilly time of year. I’m happy to feature the tea and think others will be very pleased to discover it. Happy early New Year’s to you and the rest of the Elmwood Inn family! Miss you all!!

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Chaya

Yum! Your food combinations on the bottom sounds delicious- I’m thinking a creme brulee infused with this bourbon flavored tea would be amazing. Keep the posts coming!

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Bonnie Eng

I’ve been thinking of a recipe like that for the longest time. A flavored brûlée is one instance where you can use best quality tea to cook without feeling like you are ruining it. A great idea Chaya!! 😉

Reply
Bonnie Eng

You are so welcome dear! Your posts always blow me away, and I am so looking forward to more of your beautiful cake creations in 2015! Happy early New Year’s!! 😉

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