• a close up of 3 leaves of lapsang souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) tea
  • the golden-red liquor of lapsang souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong)
  • a circle of lapsang souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) tea leaves
  • the infused leaves of lapsang souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong)
  • a tin of lapsang souchong (Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) ZL artisan tea
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Lapsang Souchong

Lapsang Souchong

Grade
Year
Option
$46.95 USD
$46.95 USD
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Exquisite black tea from the Wuyi Mountains of China. Contains 17 servings, which can be infused 2 times each.

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

Suggested water temperature

90-95°C
(194-203°F)		 OR 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.
This tea is part of our Artisan tier, the pinnacle of our three grades, making it a great choice for gifting or celebrating special occasions.

Learn more about how we grade our teas.
100% whole leaf tea
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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) offers two captivating profiles: the smoked version, bold and warming with pinewood smoke and dried longan notes, and the non-smoked version, soft and refined with cinnamon, caramel, and hints of peach.

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, while the non-smoked version highlights natural sweetness through sun-drying or baking.

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.