646732 Sat Aug 22 18:07:34 -0700 2009 3 36 Spirits 0 4968900 On a recent expedition to the exotic land of California, I indulged in one of my pasttimes of seeing what the local bottle shops carry that we don't have at home. One thing I came home with is a bottle of Qi lapsang souchong tea liqueur. The promise of "aromas of rare fruits, exotic spice, and cedar-smoked tea" on the label drew me in. When I tried out the spirit, the first taste was delightful, but then quickly gave way to the cedar smoke. It tasted like I was drinking a smoldering wood pile. I tried putting it up against other aggressive flavors in the bar, but nothing was to tame it. Is there anything I can do with this stuff? Sat Aug 22 18:07:34 -0700 2009 10996 JK Grence the Cosmic Jester 1 4968958 Lapsang Souchong tea is either a love or hate thing. The smokiness can be quite overpowering, and I actually -like- the stuff! I'm surprised they made a liqueur of this, as it sounds just...UGHH. (I hope you didn't pay much for it!) Things to do with it? I vote for giving it to friends when they come over, and watch them make odd faces at the flavors! Drink-wise? It's totally too odd to be a good mixer, at least to me. That smokiness will come thru, no matter what, I imagine. I wonder how this got green-lit to be made? Sat Aug 22 18:39:38 -0700 2009 4968900 23858 Honeychan 2 4969011 I would imagine it got green-lit for the same reason I bought it... it sounded great on paper. Sat Aug 22 19:07:30 -0700 2009 4968958 10996 JK Grence the Cosmic Jester 1 4974050 The smokiness is similar to some mescals. They are both best used in small amounts as a flavoring in cocktails, like bitters. Maybe try a few drops in an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. Next time you are in CA you should visit St. George Spirits, where Qi is made, as you can taste all their potions before purchasing. And they green light all kinds of things, like the Foidka that is being tested now (http://www.travelchannel.com/Video_&_Photos/Video_Detail?&lineupId=17744921001&titleId=35118119001). Mon Aug 24 15:56:15 -0700 2009 4968900 91247 foodeye