What is Lapsang Souchong?

Lapsang Souchong (Zhengshan Xiaozhong) is widely regarded as the world first black tea, originating from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China. This historic tea is famous for its distinctive smoky flavor, created by drying the leaves over pinewood fires. Lapsang Souchong represents a pivotal milestone in tea history - it was from this tea that the entire black tea industry evolved, spreading to India, Sri Lanka, and beyond.

History and Origins

The story of Lapsang Souchong dates back to the late Ming Dynasty (around 1640). According to legend, a group of tea farmers in Tongmu village were fleeing from soldiers and had to abandon their green tea processing. When they returned, the tea leaves had oxidized and turned dark. To salvage the batch, they quickly dried the leaves over pinewood fires. The resulting tea had a unique smoky flavor that unexpectedly appealed to merchants, and thus Lapsang Souchong was born. In the 17th century, Dutch and British traders brought this tea to Europe, where it became enormously popular. It was reportedly a favorite of Winston Churchill and Sherlock Holmes.

Authentic vs. Imitation

True Lapsang Souchong must come from the Wuyi Mountains, specifically the Tongmu area. The Chinese name “Zhengshan” means “authentic mountain,” distinguishing the genuine product from imitations. In 2005, a new tea called “Jin Jun Mei” was developed from the same region using only buds, creating a premium non-smoked version that has gained tremendous popularity.

Production Process

The unique smoky character of Lapsang Souchong comes from its specialized production:

  • Withering: Fresh leaves are withered over pinewood smoke
  • Rolling: Leaves are rolled to break cell walls and initiate oxidation
  • Oxidation: Full oxidation in a smoky environment, turning leaves dark
  • Pan-frying: Stops oxidation at the right moment
  • Smoking: The defining step - leaves are dried over burning pinewood, absorbing the characteristic smoky aroma
  • Multiple smoking rounds: Higher quality teas undergo multiple rounds of smoking for deeper flavor

Flavor Profile

Authentic Lapsang Souchong produces a dark amber liquor with a powerful, smoky aroma reminiscent of campfires and pine. The taste is bold and smoky with underlying notes of dried fruit, longan, and a sweet pine resin quality. The smoke should be integrated and complex, not harsh or acrid. The finish is long with lingering sweet smokiness.

Brewing Guide

Lapsang Souchong can be brewed in both Western and Gongfu styles:

  • Western style: 3-4g tea, 300ml water at 95C, steep for 3-4 minutes
  • Gongfu style: 5-8g tea in a gaiwan, 100ml water at 95C, multiple short steeps of 10-15 seconds
  • Can be steeped 5-6 times using the Gongfu method

Culinary Uses

Beyond drinking, Lapsang Souchong is used in cooking. Its smoky flavor makes it an excellent ingredient for tea-smoked duck, marinades, and even in desserts. It pairs well with savory dishes and can be used as a natural smoke flavoring.

Health Benefits

As a fully oxidized black tea, Lapsang Souchong contains theaflavins and thearubigins that support cardiovascular health. The pine smoke also contributes antimicrobial properties. It is warming in nature according to traditional Chinese medicine, making it ideal for cooler weather.