Lapsang Souchong

$43.50 USD

Sale Sold out

Lapsang Souchong originates from the Tong Mu Village, the birthplace of black tea, and is famous for its strong, smokey character. Our Lapsang Souchong is produced with great attention to detail, ensuring the smoke note is balanced, clean and inviting.

Leaf Info

Ingredients: 100% whole leaf tea

Region 💬The region where tea is grown influences its flavor, aroma, and quality. Different climates, altitudes, and soil types contribute to unique characteristics specific to each area.	Tong Mu Village, Fujian, China
Harvest 💬The season when the tea is harvested affects its flavor profile. Early spring teas, known as first flush, are often lighter and more delicate, while later harvests can be bolder and more robust.	Early spring 2024
Cultivar 💬Cultivar refers to the specific variety of tea plant used. Different cultivars have distinct flavor profiles, growth patterns, and adaptability to environmental conditions.	Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
Pluck set 💬The pluck set describes the combination of leaves and buds that are harvested. For example, 'one bud and two leaves' is a common standard that can impact the tea's flavor, texture, and quality."	1 bud with 2 leaves
Caffeine 💬Caffeine levels vary between tea types and can be influenced by factors like leaf size, processing methods, and steeping time.	Medium
Roast 💬Roast level refers to how much heat has been applied to the leaves during processing. A higher roast imparts deeper, toasty notes, while lighter roasts preserve the tea’s natural floral or vegetal character.	Light
Oxidation 💬Oxidation is the process of exposing tea leaves to air, which changes their color and flavor. Higher oxidation levels result in darker, more robust teas, while lower levels maintain lighter, more delicate flavors.	100%
Fermentation 💬Fermentation is a microbial process used in certain teas like Pu'er to develop complex flavors over time. Higher fermentation levels often produce richer, earthier notes and darker liquor.	N/A

Grade info: We offer 3 different grades of tea: ZL Everyday (premium), ZL Select (ultra premium), and ZL Artisan (luxury).

Learn more about how we grade our teas.

Brewing Tips

Suggested water temperature

90-95°C
(194-203°F)

Allow kettle to cool for 2 minutes before pouring

Simple brewing method

	+		+		+
2g (1 tsp)		tea infuser		240ml (1 cup)		4-5 mins

To learn more about how to brew Lapsang Souchong, refer to our Universal Tea Brewing Guide.

Serving info

Sample (5 cups)
2 oz | 56.7 g (28 cups)
4 oz | 113.4 g (56 cups)
8 oz | 226.8 g (112 cups)
1.41 oz | 40 g (20 cups)

1 cup = 2 grams of tea (about 2 tsp) using simple brewing

Shipping & Returns

Free shipping on orders of $35 or more within the United States. No-questions-asked returns within 30 days of purchase on any unopened, unused products.

Quantity

View full details

a glass cup of lapsang souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) with the dried tea leaves next to it

Taste & Aroma

Lapsang Souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong—正山小种) has a rich, smoky aroma, layered with notes of pine resin, dried longan, and dark caramel. Carefully smoked over pinewood, it brews a bold yet smooth infusion with a lingering, warming finish.

a semicircular waterfall in the wuyi mountain area. near tong mu village

Terroir

High in Tong Mu’s misty forests, Lapsang Souchong develops a rare harmony of dried longan sweetness and osmanthus florals, shaped by the cool flow of pristine mountain springs.

tea farmers salvage damaged tea by drying it with smoke

History

Born in Tong Mu during the late Ming Dynasty, Lapsang Souchong's smoky flavor was a happy accident, created when pinewood fires saved a delayed tea harvest—a tradition that gained fame in royal courts across Europe.

Production

Crafted with centuries of expertise, Lapsang Souchong's smoky variety is dried over native Masson Pine for its signature flavor, a process that involves withering the leaves over open fires, pan-firing to halt oxidation, and carefully smoking them in bamboo baskets. This meticulous method infuses the tea with layers of pine smoke while preserving its natural sweetness.

a map showing where lapsang souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) is grown, in the wuyi mountain area of Fujian, China

Geography

Hidden in the Wuyi Mountains, Tong Mu is the birthplace of black tea and home to other iconic teas like Jin Jun Mei (金骏眉) and Silver Jun Mei (银骏眉), crafted sustainably within its protected, biodiverse forests.

warm and comforting

It was pricey but hey good stuff costs a lot. I probably won't buy this very often but it was worth the try and it tastes like a really good campfire! It sounds weird but the aroma and taste are really comforting.

Highly recommended!

Item added to your cart

Lapsang Souchong