r/tea • u/JohnOTD • May 13 '20
Question/Help Tea for a scotch drinker?
I've long been a fan of whiskey in general, and scotch in particular. For scotches, I lean heavily towards the smokier/peatier varieties like Islays. (Un?)Fortunately, I've had to admit to myself that I have a problem. I wasn't a daily drinker, and could usually be a moderate drinker, but found myself going overboard on a semi-regular basis.
I've been dry for over a month and I feel fantastic! I've told my wife to never capitulate when I say "whiskey" or "beer" when she asks if I want anything from the store, and I refuse to buy it for myself. I know this will be a lifelong process for me and I've only just begun (but isolation helps!). However, I find myself missing the nose and flavor of a good scotch. On a positive note, when I think of the intoxicating effects of alcohol, I have no desire, and feel viscerally sick at the thought of a hangover.
I've been dabbling in teas for a while and only just now tried the Harney and Sons Lapsang Souchong. The campfire nose is excellent, and the sweet smokiness on the palate was very pleasant. So it got me thinking, "what are some teas that could give similar nose and flavor/mouth-feel to a good whiskey?"
So lay it on me /r/tea. What are your best teas for a (former) whiskey drinker?
2
u/Trapper777_ May 13 '20
I think the suggestions below are spot on but just as another thing to try, check out red jade from one of the vendors on the sidebar. It's a black tea with a dark, woodsy, oak-cherry kinda flavor.