Loose tea rocks. Does anyone have suggestions on different blends or types? (I typically prefer black teas.)?

Lapsang Souchong: a very nice smoked tea from China's Fujian Province. A number of English tea merchants sell it, particularly Thomas Twinings.

Prince of Wales: a full bodied strong black tea blended from Assam, Lucky Dragon, Keemun, Oolong with a hint of blackcurrant. Again Twinings seel it internationally although no longer in the UK.

Russian Caravan Tea: A blend of Lapsang Souchong and Keemun. It has the smokiness of Lapsang but not as instensely.

English Breakfast Tea: a variable blend often with Assam, Ceylon, Kenyan (as in from Kenya) and Keemun. Quite common and popular.

Darjeeling: a lighter more golden tea but very refreshing when something with less impact is desired.

Chai: Indian spiced black tea usually with the addition of Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves and Ginger (although the spices can vary from brand to brand). This tea is frequently made with hot milk as opposed to water and is usually sweetened.

I have drunk them all many times and although they can be found in tea bag form, they are much better pot brewed from loose leaf tea.

Also, try these websites for products and information:

www.twinings.com

www.fortnumandmason.com

www.dilmahtea.com

www.jacksonsofpiccadilly.co.uk

Most of these companies are English (as are a lot of tea blends) because the English have dominated the tea trade for centuries thanks to the popularity of tea in the UK.