Blended for slow sipping, this black tea has notes of vanilla, malt, and a hint of smoke from the bourbon barrel.
Customers use these reviews to describe their experience with Kentucky Bourbon, including flavor, aroma, preparation preferences, strength, and how the tea fits into daily routines. Browse the full review history page by page to compare tasting notes, steeping tips, and favorite ways to enjoy this tea.
This tea is too heavy for my taste, but flavors are as advertised. Smoke flavor comes through first, fading into malty vanilla with a hint of baked caramel apple. I would be curious to try this iced with mint syrup, as Adagio suggested.
I had a taste of this tea a couple years ago and thought I was drinking a firepit. Now, a couple of years later, and I don't know if it is me or the tea, but I get more flavors this time. The smoke is still there but it is much gentler and I can also taste apple and vanilla. Much improved from my previous experience, but still not a favorite. (196F for 3min)
The flavor is strong with this tea! Not a bad thing, but I found it too overwhelming. My husband was a fan though, and liked that the smokey whiskey flavor didn't taste very artificial. 3 mins @ 210°F
This was not really my cup of tea. However I shared it with my sister who really enjoyed it. She said it had a great bourbon flavor (not often common in tea) and it was not bitter either. She would recommend it!
maybe it's one too many bourbon hangovers in my day or maybe it's the lapsang, but i did not enjoy this tea.
I enjoyed this with some vanilla icecream since I thought it'd be a great birthday treat, and the complicated flavors go really well with a creamy dessert! I'd love to bake with it too.
I'm pretty sure I remember trying this one before and really not liking it due to the overwhelming smoke and whisky flavor. This time around wasn't as bad, I could taste some of the other flavors and things were a lot more balanced. This still isn't a tea I would pick to drink myself, but the flavor definitely reminds me of bourbon.
CommuniTEA portion: I'll admit I was nervous about this one with the last Lapsang I tried (thank you Cursed Tea, lol). I do enjoy the occasional bourbon so I tried to have an open mind. I actually very much enjoyed this. There is a subtle sweetness thanks to carmel that seems to balance out the smoke and makes for the smoothest of blends. The vanilla on the back end just makes it sing. I think I'll have another!
I drink a lot of bourbon. Turns out i don't really want my tea to taste like bourbon. It is true to name. Much better with cream.
I tried this in the communitea packet, and it's not something I would have ordered for myself since I'm not really a bourbon drinker in the first place.
I am in love with this tea. It's so pleasant and I truly enjoy the smokey flavor. I will be getting this tea again.
I was on the fence about trying this because I have tried to like bourbon but never can. It bugged me because I wanted to be able to taste the smokiness but could never get past my mouth feeling like I put rubbing alcohol in it. Now this tea lets me enjoy the flavors in peace. My mouth isn’t getting attacked. This gal will be telling her bourbon loving friends of this tea!
A nicely flavored black tea that is remarkably reminiscent of bourbon, while still retaining its tea essence.
The first time I drank this tea, I wasn’t sure that I liked having an alcohol-flavored tea. But it grows on you. This time, the yum factor was definitely there—5 stars there.
Loved this one!! I had this one a few times before and having it first thing in the morning somehow feels weird 😂 Unique tasting tea for sure
Oh yes, this one goes on the wishlist. Deep carmel, vanilla, and a hint of smoke, it really does have a bourbon taste to it. I like bold flavors and this one hit that marks for me!
UPDATED from 11/21/21: There is the aroma of smoke, fruit, and vanilla coming from the CommuniTEA packet. This steeps (at a slightly lower temp than recommended) into a lovely deep reddish amber color. What a strong, full bodied flavor: spicy and smoky. Adding ¼ teaspoon of sweetener (to 10 oz) allows the fruitiness and vanilla to outshine the smokiness which takes a back seat, leaving a sweet creaminess in my mouth.. Pairs well with gingerbread cookies. It tastes better as it cools. Bourbon taste with no alcohol! Pretty cool. Be sure to only steep 3 minutes, because any longer, not only do the flavors get stronger, but so does the bitterness. (3 mins @200ºF + sweetener).
I didn’t hate this tea but I didn’t care for it either. I am not a whiskey drinker so that may have been the problem.
I was actually surprised to find myself enjoying the first few sips of this blend. It has quite a complex flavor, with smokiness and hints of vanilla and apple. The farther into the cup I got the more bitter the flavor became for me, though. Will maybe try with a bit more sweetener anda little next time.
I love this one! Has a really nice bourbon flavor that is not fake-tasting. Will definitely get more of this tea. Update: still LOVE this one!
This is my ultimate favorite. So sweet it’s like having a cup of dessert with each cup that it doesn’t need any sweetener or honey. It has plenty of caffeine to get you going in the morning. I will continue to order this one.
My mother loved it. I plan on buying some for myself.
Great tasting tea for a fun change. Smoky flavor isn't overwhelming, and the blend of flavors is interesting - no single one stands out. I don't use sweetener, but suspect I'd like it even more if I did.
I Absolutely loved this one! I loved the smoky flavor and the bourbon taste. I will definitely be getting this again, and a larger bag next time!
I loved this black tea. The whiskey and vanilla notes really come through. I’ll buy this again when I run out.
round mouth feel with a sharp tanic finish the realistic bourbon flavors warm without dulling the senses nice for mid day or evening
I want to give it 5 stars, but the bourbon flavor is so strong I think it might put off anyone who doesn't REALLY love bourbon.
If you want a mint julep mocktail, then this is your tea. Muddle some fresh mint leaves and add them to your brewing step. Sweeten to taste with a bit of blue agave nectar.
I don't know how they make it taste so much like bourbon. It's amazing. I've used it in cocktails and it's excellent!
I'm surprised at how much I enjoy this, especially as I've never tasted bourbon(or any liquors). But it has just the right blend of bitter and fruit for me. I sweeten it with just a touch of coconut sugar.
I finally got a chance to try this last night, and it's aroma and flavor were everything I had hoped for when I ordered it. Sweetened with a small amount of Rye Whiskey Barrel honey, it was divine.
Very smooth and smelled just like bourbon. It had a great bourbon smoky flavor too.
This didn t have anything that reminded me of bourbon. It smelled a bit like it, but the flavor profile was fairly boring. @adagioteas
Honestly not my favorite hot tea on this site but with that being said I'm still not going to turn down a cup!
This is my new favorite!! The bourbon flavor is amazing and I enjoy adding a splash of milk.
I only buy this in the largest size possible (16 oz.). I enjoy several cups a day. I find the complex blend of flavors delightful. There is a definite presence of chocolate and smokiness that is quite satisfying. I also like the lingering of a creamy aftertaste. I bought a bag for a friend. He was practicing Dry January, a fast from the overindulgences of the holiday season, so he was interested in finding a cocktail replacement. After a cup of Kentucky Bourbon he was hooked. This is also his go-to favorite now.
This morning tea smells much stronger than it tastes. Great vanilla flavor.
Nope. This actually tastes like Bourbon. I was looking for a more subtle flavor.
It's wasn't the tea for me, It reminded me of like a sweet cigar if a nice if you enjoy that taste but I struggled to finish a cup of it.
Smelling a hot cup of this reminded me of the fragrance of a tobacco pipe. It's was a lovely smell! Just not sure I want a drink that smells like a tobacco pipe.
Really did not like it at first, however it improved with time (and a bit of monkfruit). I thought it was okay, but I enjoy other teas a lot more. I was very intrigued by the idea though, so I had to try it.
There was a very strong apple smell as you open the bag, but the apple flavor is not strong. It is hard to describe the actual flavor of the tea, but it definitely has a smoky aftertaste.
One of my favorite black teas now; a little sweetener really brings out the bourbon flavor
Very interesting blend! I would definitely make this a staple in my collection. @adagioteas
Wonderful smell but not so good taste. It did not taste like the caption said it would.
Not the tea for me - was a little too bitter even with sugar and milk.
This is my all time favorite! I make a “dirty “ tea with a bourbon maple coffee and frothed milk…it’s a great start to the day!
Love this! It has a very subtle smokiness, but not overpowering. Rich mouthfeel.
This might seem like an odd choice for an iced tea, but it’s actually amazing!! Cold brewing this tea makes for a truly decadent experience and always wows guests.
A superb treat! This is so herbaceous, satisfying and wondrous!! I am not a drinker of alcohol, but I like a fun mock-up! I recommend to anyone wishing to have that yummy note of malty caramel, smoky notes of Bourbon--with no drunkardness to boot your arse. 5 stars!
Yummmmm, love the bourbony taste. It's perfect for late afternoon and early evening. when the 'sun is over the yardarm' or any other time you want a tasty cup of tea.