Qi Lapsang Souchong Tea Liqueur


I’ve been a tea drinker for years and have been happy to see the increased interest in all things tea. Many people are focused on the health benefits and, while I think that’s nice, the appeal for me is the feeling of calm and contentedness I get when I’m drinking it. I think tea is the perfect drink � it warms you when it�s cold, you can drink it cold when the weather is warm, it�s comforting and ritualistic, the warm steam rising from the cup brings on relaxation and a sort of meditation. It can bring calm to a frenzied day or console you when you are feeling down. It can hold off hunger or settle your stomach after a full meal. It�s the super beverage!

Now, a new company in San Francisco, Qi Spirits (Qi is pronounced chee), launched a new tea-based liqueur in February. It is distilled at the St. George Spirits facility, where a number of the artisinal liquors covered a couple weeks ago are distilled. This new liqueur is a blend of smoky Lapsang Souchong tea, rare fruits, exotic spices,and barrel-aged chardonnay brandy. They say, “the nose is smoky and sweet, with hints of vanilla and citrus. On the palate, an initial burst of peat yields to the warmth of semi-sweet vanilla and honey, and finally lingers for a long smooth finish of smoke and mandarin blossom.”

A quick review of my local liquor stores shows this product is not yet available in Washington stores. Current availability seems to be only in Northern California, however, the Qi site lists two online retailers, BevMo and K & L Wine Merchants. And I’m sure we’ll see this new spirit start spreading as its popularity increases. In the meantime I may have to try an online order so that I can sample one of several cocktail recipes posted on their site.

The following recipe was created by Duggan McDonnell, Frisson.

Tempest
  • Muddle 8 mint leaves & 3 pieces sliced ginger
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup
  • 1/2 lime squeeze
  • 1 1/2 oz. Hangar One Mandarin Blossom

Shake, strain into Collins glass, adding soda. Then: float 1 oz. Qi Liqueur. Garnish with orange fan.



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April 8th, 2006
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Comment Number:
1
Written by:
nancy orr
Posted on:
February 10, 2007 at 7:28 pm

I have been drinking lapsang tea for over 40 years and would love to purchase your new liquer but cannot find.

Comment Number:
2
Written by:
Brenda Pederson
Posted on:
February 11, 2007 at 3:19 pm

Hi Nancy!
You could drop them an email (info@stgeorgespirits.com) to find out if/where you might find it in your area. As far as I know though it’s still only available in California.

Or check this page - http://www.qispirits.com/Purchase.htm. At the very bottom you’ll see links for where you can purchase on the web.