“Having read many negative reviews of this tea, I really did not expect to like this tea as much as I do but I have to say I love it. I am an Earl Grey tea fan and only recently tried Lapsang Souchong after I had this tea by way of a comparison. I accept that Lapsang Souchong has a more delicate and sophisticated taste but I prefer the rough flavour of this tea. It feels like we have just finished a cigar and are about to have a whiskey at the end of the evening. Reasonably priced and nicely packaged,it may not suit Lapsang fans but for other merd mortals, I sense they will love it just like me!”
“While Distinctly Smoky isn't great, I don't think it is quite as bad as some people think it is.
The main problem is that it really isn't very similar to Lapsang Souchong at all. I still have some LS teabags in the cupboard so can compare them side by side, and the smell and taste are very different.
Distinctly Smoky should not be marketed as being "basically the same as Lapsang Souchong" because it just isn't. It feels like Twinings are trying to pull a fast one, which has obviously annoyed a fair few people.
I hope that Twinings bring back the original LS, or at least develop a blend that is genuinely similar.”
“I ordered Lapsang Souchong and got something completely different - packets of Distinctivly Smoky - it was not a patch on Lapsang and should not be sold as a comparison.”
“I’ve been drinking Twinings’ Lapsang for over 30 years and have always enjoyed their tea. Recently placed quite a large order which was delivered efficiently.
I can’t quite put my finger on it as I’m no expert but the tea bags from the first packet I opened definitely taste different and sadly not as enjoyable with a definite aftertaste.
I’m hoping this is just a one off and that the next packet will be the smooth smoky Lapsang I’ve loved for so many years.”
