Lapsang Souchong
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, THERE’S FLAVOUR
Lapsang Souchong is a black tea distinct from all others, traditionally smoke-dried over pinewood fires, for a distinctive smoky flavour. According to some, it is the first black tea in history, created during the Qing era, when the passage of armies delayed the annual drying of the tea leaves in the Wuyi Mountains. To satisfy demand, producers hastened the drying process by drying the leaves over fires made from local pines. This gave the less prized leaves a prized flavour. A win win situation, because ‘Souchong’ refers to the fourth and fifth leaves of the tea plant, which are further away from the more highly prized bud and have fewer aromatic compounds. Finally roasted in a bamboo basket called a honglong, this also contributes to the aroma and smoky flavour. From the Wuyi region of Fujian Province, it is increasingly expensive as Wuyi is a small area and demand is growing for this flavoursome tea.
Smoke, woody with overtones of pine
Pure black tea
Standard Delivery
- We have a standard rate of $8.50.
Typically
arrives 1 – 10 business days after dispatch depending on state. Free for
orders $60 and over.
Express Shipping
- Our express shipping is $24 and will
arrive
withing 1 – 3 business days after dispatch depending on state.
China, Fujian Wuyi
Lapsang Souchong originated in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian, China. It translates to Middle Mountain Small Leaf Variety, and is known for its distinctive smoky flavor. The smoking process is rumoured to have been created by accident but has become a defining character. The region is surrounded by dense pine forests with heavy mists, perfect for quality tea production. The forests debris forms a beautiful fertilizer for the tea and the pine is used to smoke the leaves. Much like champagne, only tea produced in this region can be called Lapsang Souchong.
