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