I never really thought much about the cheap black teabags but I tend to buy Luzianne a lot. Not for any real reason (so I thought) so last time I thought I'd switch it up and get Red Rose... mistake. I quickly realized that it is nowhere near as good a Luzianne. But I didn't know why, I hadn't ever paid a ton of attention to any particular flavors or aromas. I tend to only drink this kind of tea with either a fair amount of honey or rock sugar and usually when I'm sick or just want something hot and sweet.
I bought a new box of Luzianne and was determined to pay attention to what made it stand out and I was actually kind of shocked with the result. Luzianne has notes of Puerh. It has a more earthy punch to it and almost a spicy note as well. The Red Rose (which I had always thought to be OK before I had been drinking Luzianne as my "teabag of choice" for a couple of years) doesn't have any real strong note at all and is sort of malty and bland. I just can't do American Lipton at all it has an "artificial" taste I can't put my finger on but that I do not like.
I did have some luck with Giant Eagle's "Market District" Assam Black Tea. Giant Eagle is a regional supermarket chain and Market District is their answer to places like Whole Foods. A little better quality, sometimes organic, and a bit more expensive. It isn't made up of fannings or dust but of actual Assam tea.
I thought I'd share and I'd be interested if any Puerh fans here have ever noticed this or it may be an option for when you are slumming it and don't have the money for a vintage bing... it'll hardly compare but some of the notes are there. FWIW.
- Dominic