When I first glanced at the ingredient list for Monkey King's Journey (ancho chilis, yuzu peel, and pine smoke?!) I'll admit I was skeptical. The combination seemed questionable on paper, yet I was curious enough to brew a sample that was so kindly included with a recent order.
I'm so glad I gave it a shot! What I found was a surprisingly harmonious and deliciously cozy blend that completely defied my expectations. The ingredients complement each other in ways my palate couldn't have foreseen without actually tasting it, creating a well-balanced experience that proves the masterful craftsmanship behind this mythic mix.
I noticed another reviewer mentioned steeping it briefly and pairing it with something sweet to balance the smokiness, describing it as tasting like a campfire. While I respect that perspective, my experience differed significantly. I found that the longer I steeped it, the more enjoyable it became. For those unfamiliar with Lapsang Souchong (a smoked tea whose hallmark is precisely that pine smoke character), the campfire impression makes sense.
However, Monkey King's Journey impressively balances that smoky foundation with the citrusy brightness of yuzu and the subtle sweetness of peach. The yuzu and peach notes are intentionally restrained, which I now appreciate as masterful restraint; any heavier hand with these fruity and citrus elements would overpower the smoked tea and create a pretty unpalatable brew. Instead, they complement rather than overwhelm, allowing the ginger and ancho chili to shine through with a warm, lingering heat that's genuinely pleasurable.
I understand why this tea might be a hard sell to potential customers who haven't tried it. Unconventional ingredient combinations can be intimidating without that first sip. But that's precisely why it's such a shame that Friday Afternoon Tea is discontinuing Monkey King's Journey due to low sales. This is one of those teas that deserves to be experienced rather than merely described. Because I've enjoyed it so much, I'm purchasing a supply before it's gone for good.
If you're reading this and on the fence about trying it, I genuinely encourage you to take the leap. Monkey King's Journey is proof that sometimes the most memorable discoveries come in the most unexpected packages.
