A friend of mine gave me this to try and I was not dissapointed. Full bodied black tea with distinct smokey flavor. Will order 1 lb tomorrow.

I was really hesitant to try this tea because I absolutely do not like Lapsang Souchong. I am so glad I did. I love the flavor and can't get enough of it. Wonderful choice if you don't like Lapsang as it's much milder with a unique flavor. I like strong tea, so this is perfect. Don't try if you prefer your tea mild.

I was uncertain I would enjoy the tea because the dry leaves smelled of bacon. However, the smokiness is only in the smell. This tea is unique so it probably only appeals to some. You will get a medium bodied and flavorful cup with an campfire kick. I enjoy having it around as an alternative to my daily Assam. Highly enjoyable!

I tried this after being unable to drink Lapsang Souchong, but this tea has disappointed me. I appreciate the addition of Ceylon and Assam, but the smokiness simply overpowers everything else in the tea, even with milk and stevia. Not recommended.

This tea is fabulous -- really delicious with one sugar and a bit of milk. It has just the right amount of smokiness without that being overpowering. I ordered a sample and am hightailing it over to the SoHo store to pick up a tin.

Been drinking the Russian for 10 years. Like the strong-robust flavor and the hint of smokiness. Prefer the loose to bag. However, I use the bag for travel. I sometimes add 1 teaspoon of Earl Gray Supreme to 3 teaspoons of Russian. Yum.

I'm quite surprised that this tea holds such a low rating 2 stars at this time. True, this tea is different from your Assam or Darjeeling. However, it's absolutely delicious. There's no barbeque note as one reviewer mentioned; on the contrary, each sip presents a slightly sweet, deep, full-bodied note. It takes well to one sugar and a splash of milk, and has been my go-to afternoon tea for several years – I'm actually sipping it at the moment.I will say, however, that most people who I have offered this tea to do dislike it due to the smoky notes. I'd suggest buying a sample pack first... but don't hesitate to try it due to poor prior reviews.

This is one of my favorite teas. Although the tea leaves do have a smokey smell, the smoked taste of brewed tea is quite subtle. I have had other smoked teas that were very strong, but this tea is mellow and nice. Although I highly recommend this tea, if you are not sure if this tea is for you, by all means try the sample first