Who has the best Black Tea?

In a 2 month search to find the best black tea, our specialists tried 10 different Black Teas. Educated in how to smell, prepare, and taste tea, our experts, found what they believe to be the best Black Teas.

First, we need to know what exactly Black Tea is. Black tea as Wikipedia defines it "is a type of tea that is more oxidized than oolong, green, and white teas. Black tea is generally stronger in flavour than the less oxidized teas which all four types come from the shrub Camelilia sinensis."

For this test to find the best Black Tea we made sure to taste all 10 different Black Teas the same way, our experts precisely measured two teaspoons of black tea per cup, prepared with  200 to 205 °F (93 to 96 °C) water (not boiling) and steeped 3–6 minutes. Whats amazing about Black Tea is that high quality black tea can be steeped several times.

10. Tetley USA Black Loose Leaf Tea - $15.89 / 31.75oz

Synopsis: Tetley Since 1837....and tastes like it

Overall Rank: 2.0 / 5

Amazon: Tetley Black Loose Leaf Tea

9. Tao of Tea Rose Petal Black Tea - $7.49 / 4oz

Synopsis: Love the tin but leave the tea

Overall Rank: 2.5 / 5

Amazon: The Tao of Tea, Rose Petal Black Tea

8. Vadham Classic English Breakfast Black Tea - $23.74 / 16oz

Synopsis: Classic is what classic does... non-original

Overall Rank: 2.75 / 5

Amazon: Vahdam Original English Breakfast Black Tea

7.  Positively Organic Ceylon Black Tea - $26.95 / 16oz

Synopsis: Ceylon + Organics... equals been there, done that. Plus that price :(

Overall Rank: 3 / 5

Amazon: Positively Organic Ceylon Black Tea

6. Tealyra Black Dragon Pearls Tea - $12.99 / 4oz

Synopsis: This fiery dragon could use more pearls

Overall Rank: 3.25 / 5

Amazon. Tealyra Black Dragon Pearls Tea

5. Teamonk Darjeeling Organic Black Tea - $9.51 / 3.5oz

Synopsis: Monk Darjeeling...yes please. Plus tin!

Overall Rank: 3.5 / 5

Amazon. Teamonk Darjeeling Organic Black Tea

4. Teavana Golden Monkey Black Tea - $29.96 / 2oz

Synopsis: Monk Darjeeling...yes please. Plus tin!

Overall Rank: 4 / 5

Amazon: Teavana Golden Monkey Black Tea

3. Mahalo Tea Lava Berry Black Tea - $9.25 / 2oz

Synopsis: Best bang for your buck

Overall Rank: 4.25 / 5

Amazon: Mahalo Tea Lava Berry Black Tea

2. DAVIDs TEA Organic Cream of Earl Grey - $22.00 / 2oz 

Synopsis: Da Creme de la Creme

Overall Rank: 4.5 / 5

Amazon: DAVIDs TEA Organic Cream of Earl Grey

1. Mountain Rose Herbs  Lapsang Souchong - $68.99 / 16oz

Synopsis: The best of the best

Overall Rank: 5 / 5

Amazon: Mountain Rose Herbs Lapsang Souchong