The smoky aroma of this exotic tea is enchanting. Lapsong Souchong is comprised of high quality bold black tea leaves. These leaves are then smoked over embers of pine. The full bodied Lapsong Souchong leaf supports the distinct addition of pine smoking where a lesser quality tea would be overcome by it.
Lapsong Souchong was created during the Qing Dynasty. The story goes, that a passing army had made camp in the Wuyi Hills of China’s Fujian Provence. Their presence delayed the drying of the local tea. When the army finally left the tea producers were rushed to get to market on time, so they force dried their tea over burning pine embers. The new “smoked” tea they produced was a well received in the market. Quality Lapsong Souchong is still grown and smoked in Eastern China. Beware of lesser quality products. For many are produced by adding a strong smoke flavored oil that is overpowering and often bitter.
I personally categorize this as “My Dessert Tea”, simply because it is an extraordinary compliment to my wife’s wonderful peach pie. You really ought to try some with your favorite dessert. A high quality Lapsong Souchong is available through the side bar link.
