Lapsang Souchong – Smoked Black Tea

Discover the bold tradition of Lapsang Souchong, the world’s first smoked black tea from the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian. Smoked over pinewood fires, this loose leaf black tea delivers a distinctive balance of smoky depth, fruity sweetness, and lingering complexity

Tea facts:

This tea is crafted from a Wuyi Mountain varietal and processed in the traditional style of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (Lapsang Souchong). After crafting, it is smoked over pinewood, giving it is iconic smoky profile.  

Region of Origin:

Produced in the Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lapsang Souchong is steeped in history. The rocky landscape, misty forests, and mineral-rich soils give the tea its authenticity and depth. Wuyi is not only the birthplace of black tea but also the home of the famous Rock Oolongs (Yan Cha), making it one of the most celebrated tea regions in China.

Taste and Aroma:

The liquor opens with a bold pine-smoked aroma, balanced by subtle fruity sweetness and gentle floral undertones. A hint of peat-like richness lingers on the palate, giving the tea its unmistakable campfire warmth while maintaining a smooth and drinkable character.

Interesting Facts:

Lapsang Souchong is often regarded as the first black tea in history, dating back to the 17th century. According to legend, local tea makers in Wuyi resorted to smoking their leaves over pinewood fires to speed up drying during times of war. The resulting flavour, once accidental, became so distinctive that it established a whole new tea tradition. Today, the UNESCO-protected Wuyi Mountains preserve this heritage, ensuring that every cup of Lapsang Souchong carries a story of both terroir and history.

Brewing Guide:

Use 5-6 g of tea per 100 ml water at 90 °C. Rinse briefly for10 seconds and discard the wash. Then steep in short infusions: start with 10, 15, 20 and then gradually increasing up to a minute as the leaves yield their flavour.

For a Western-style cup, use ~2 g of tea per 200 ml water and steep for 2–3 minutes at around 90 °C

Perfect For:

This tea pairs beautifully with hearty meals, smoky cheeses, or dark chocolate. It is also perfect for evenings by the fire or as a bold morning brew for those who love strong, distinctive flavours.

Enjoy the rich heritage of Lapsang Souchong – a smoked black tea from the UNESCO-protected Wuyi Mountains, where pinewood smoke and centuries of tradition create one of the world’s most iconic teas.

Available for UK online orders.