正山小種

I’m a Scotch drinker first, so when I saw this described as smoke in a cup, I had to try it. The bold, resinous aroma is unmistakable—it’s like a peaty dram but in tea form, and it stands up beautifully to a splash of honey. Already my go-to for cold evenings.

The campfire smell hits you the second you open the tin, and it carries right through to the cup. It's bold and smoky without turning bitter, even when I forget it and let it steep too long.

I've been a Scotch drinker for years so the campfire comparison sold me, and this delivers exactly that — bold smoke in every sip without any bitterness underneath. It's a strong cup, so I steep it a little shorter than my usual blacks.