Smoked tea

Its membership in the classic tea family does not prevent smoked tea from cultivating a certain originality. More than a "simple" black tea, it is defined by characteristic dominant notes and a unique tasting experience. Through the catalog of our Tea House, discover our different loose smoked teas , refined vintages to consume and to offer to lovers of authenticity.

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Smoked tea

Smoked tea, a unique black tea with pleasantly woody notes

Smoked tea is the result of a happy accident.

In the 1820s, in the heart of China's Fujian province, tea planters deprived of their drying room chose to place their wet tea leaves over a fire of spruce roots to dry them. The dried leaves then released a smoky aroma that managed to seduce a foreign merchant. This atypical black tea then enjoyed great success on the European continent, becoming the drink of choice for a large number of connoisseurs around the world.

It is now part of the tea ranges offered by the biggest brands.

The process of making smoked teais indeed similar to that of black tea. Only smoking or drying over a wood fire, which takes place after the withering and rolling stages and before the oxidation, drying and sorting stages of the tea leaves, allows smoked tea to be distinguished from other black teas. The result is an infusion with a pronounced aroma, with slightly or intensely smoky flavors depending on the vintages and blends.

As comforting as a log fire in the middle of winter or a walk in the forest under the first rays of sunshine of the year, smoked tea is undoubtedly your best ally on gray days. Because it is relatively low in theine, consume it as soon as you feel the urge for a cup of tea with soothing properties.

Enjoy our exceptional smoked teas from sunrise to sunset

At Betjeman & Barton,smoked tea accompanies you throughout the day, including at mealtimes. Infuse it in water at 90°C for 2 to 5 minutes on average, to fully enjoy its decidedly original flavors.

Start your tasting with ourChinese black tea "Tarry Souchong"with intense woody notes, to be served on the breakfast table during the week or for brunch on the weekend. Continue at lunchtime with a great classic of Chinese smoked teas, the“Lapsang Souchong”, the first black tea from China, preferably reserved for accompanying savory meals.

For tea time, try ourblend of delicately smoked Chinese black teas. Dotted with white tips, it combines sweetness and character brilliantly, for a perfectly balanced infusion on the palate. Complete your taste journey withour “Imperial Gold OP” black teawith subtle smoky notes. Its jasmine flowers promise you a delicious sensory experience from morning to night. To vary the pleasures, also opt for our smoked tea"Lapsang Crocodile".

Smoked tea: frequently asked questions

1. Which smoked tea should I choose when starting out: the mildest or the most intense?

For a first experience, prefer a subtle smoked tea like our Impérial Or, with its delicate notes. Those who enjoy character will prefer the Lapsang Souchong, then the Tarry Souchong, the most intense of our smoked teas.

2. What is the difference between Lapsang Souchong and Tarry Souchong?

Two black teas from China smoked over wood, with different levels of intensity: Lapsang Souchong offers a balanced smokiness, while Tarry Souchong pushes the woody and smoky character to its peak.

3. Which smoked tea should I serve with a savory meal or a festive dish?

Lapsang Souchong is the ideal companion for savory dishes: grilled meats, fish, aged cheeses. Its woody character enhances a festive table and is perfect for brunch.

4. Are your smoked teas naturally wood-smoked or artificially flavored?

Our smoked teas are crafted using the traditional method: the leaves are dried over a wood fire, which gives them their characteristic aroma.

5. Does smoked tea contain a lot of caffeine? Can I drink it in the evening?

Like all black teas, smoked tea provides a rather caffeinated cup, best reserved for the morning and during the day. Its strong character also makes it well-suited for meals. For the evening, an herbal tea without caffeine is preferable.

6. Can you cook with smoked tea (marinades, broths, fragrant rice)?

By all means. A few leaves can add a delicate woody note to marinades, broths, or rice cooking water. Smoked tea is a great ingredient to bring into the kitchen.

7. Does smoked tea pair well with cheese or a peaty whisky?

Perfectly. Its smoky profile echoes peaty whiskies and pairs superbly with aged cheese or dark chocolate for wonderful combinations.

8. How should I store smoked tea to preserve its aroma?

Like other black teas, smoked tea can be kept for several years. Keep it in its airtight container, away from your other teas, as its aroma might overwhelm them.