The boys drink tea - strong pu-erh and lapsang

Let’s be honest – many men associate tea with floral-patterned tableware, sweet fruit blends and pleasant conversations at Auntie’s. Meanwhile, coffee has become the epitome of strength, alertness and masculine energy. But what if we told you that there are teas that have just as much character and depth as a double espresso – and that also offer unique health benefits?

There is a whole spectrum of powerful, earthy and complex taste experiences in the tea universe too. Tea that can be drunk as part of a personal morning ritual – just like coffee and give you the invigorating effect that many need. Here is the guide for those of you who are skeptical about tea, but curious about the real, pure and uncompromising.

Why don't more men drink tea?

In many Western cultures, tea has been marketed and presented as a delicate and "soft" drink - often linked to health, well-being and feminine associations. But if we look at East Asia, tea has been an important part of the everyday lives of warriors, monks and emperors for thousands of years. There, there were not flowers in the cup, but earth, smoke and strength.

Fortunately, more and more people are starting to discover the dark side of tea – literally. Teas like pu-erh and lapsang souchong have a completely different character than what many people associate with classic tea. These are drinks with deep flavor, fullness and a hint of roughness.

Pu-erh – the dark, fermented tea variety

Pu-erh is a fermented tea from the Yunnan province of China, and perhaps the most “macho” tea of ​​them all. It tastes of forest floor, leather, earth and sometimes a little smoke. Just like an aged whiskey, pu-erh develops over time and can be stored for decades. The tea is often brewed in small batches, in small cups, with water that is close to boiling point. You can brew several times with the same leaves and the taste will change with each cup.

What makes pu-erh particularly interesting for new tea drinkers is that it doesn't taste grassy or floral - it tastes dark, deep and ripe. Perfect for those who want a coffee-like sensation, but with lower caffeine and a calmer mental effect.

Buy pu-erh here.

Lapsang Souchong – the tea that tastes like fire

Lapsang souchong is a Chinese black tea that is dried over pine wood smoke. The result is a tea that tastes and smells like a mountain campfire.

Lapsang is a perfect gateway for coffee lovers, especially those who enjoy dark roast coffee. It can be drunk on its own, or used in cooking – for example in marinades, stews or as a smokey veil in chocolate desserts.

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The Kyusu Ritual: A Japanese Tea Experience

Many men love the ritual of brewing coffee – the weight of the grind, the temperature of the water, and the precision. But did you know that there is a similar experience in the world of tea? The Japanese kyusu set consists of a small clay pot and accompanying bowls. Here, tea is brewed with precision, sensuality, and respect.

Using a kyusu you can explore different teas such as pu-erh and lapsang, but also sencha or gyokuro, and have a ritual that is both aesthetic and meditative. For many this is a wonderful way to relax – a bit like slow coffee, only with tea.

Here you will find kyusu jugs

Tea and caffeine – and why L-theanine makes it better

Tea naturally contains caffeine , but in smaller amounts than coffee. What makes the caffeine in tea special is that it is combined with L-theanine – an amino acid that has calming and balancing effects. This provides a smoother, more stable energy that lasts longer and doesn’t give the same crash that coffee can often cause.

An interesting strategy for many coffee-loving men is to combine: Start your morning with a cup of coffee, and have a cup of tea 30–60 minutes later. You'll still get the quick energy from the coffee, but the L-theanine in the tea can dampen the stress response and improve focus throughout the day.

Health benefits of choosing tea

Replacing one or more cups of coffee daily with tea can provide several benefits:

• Less acid load on the stomach
• More stable energy
• More antioxidants (depending on the type of tea)
• Potential support for metabolism and blood sugar regulation

It's not about quitting coffee, it's about expanding your horizons. Tea doesn't have to be sweet, light, or floral. It can be dark, smoky, deep, and satisfying—and that's exactly what guys need.

Get started – without compromise

Are you curious? Start with a good pu-erh or a lapsang souchong, and try different brewing methods. Maybe you'll find a new routine that feels just as right as your morning cup of coffee – but gives you something completely new.