Lapsang Souchong
(Zhengshan Xiaozhong)
Longan Fruit with Smoke
The Lapsang Souchong (Zhengshan Xiaozhong) is the world's oldest black tea. Today, he ranks amongst the best.
He has a fascinating story. More than 400 years's old, he is the world first fully oxidized tea.
Amazingly, his birth came purely as an accident.
According to legend, during the late Ming Dynasty, a tea owner deserted his factory when an army invaded. When he eventually returned, the tea leaves had fully oxidized.
To salvage his losses, he decided to dry the leaves in bamboo baskets over pine fires. The resulting beverage was a enchanting balance of smoke and tea.
The tea became a sensational hit in Western Europe.
Tongmu
Today, the same village - Tongmu - is a National Designated Protected Zone. Lying at the north of Wuyi Mountain, they are part of the UNESCO heritage site.
Situated at an altitude of 1200 to 1500 meters, the thick pine forests and heavy mists provide the ideal environment for growing top quality tea.
In the old days, smoky tea was so popular that it was produced in many parts of Fujian province.
The highest quality grows in Tongmu and surrounding villages. They are called Middle Mountain - which is translated as Lapsang.
Only tea produced here is called Lapsang Souchong - which means Middle Mountain Small Leaf Variety.
Teas produced in other parts of Fujian is called Outside Mountain. These lower qualities disappear over time - only the authentic variety survives the passage of time.
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King Grade (Summer 2009) - 49 grams
Unlike traditional Lapsang Souchong, which is made from "leaves", this King grade is made from young tea buds.
In China, he is marketed using a different name - Golden Brow. This tea sometimes sells for more than $100 per packet.
When our Tongmu tea garden tells us we can have a similar tea at much lower prices, we are thrilled at the quality and decide to offer him here.
The quality is breathtakingly outstanding. He truly deserves a King grade as a Lapsang Souchong tea.
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Delighted and pleasantly surprised! |
I was delighted and pleasantly surprised with the Lapsong Souchong because I had tried a sample elsewhere and found it so strong, but yours was delightful.
With a meal, I'd rate it the Lapsang Souchong 5. It has a nice solid body which helps to clear the tastebuds after a meal.
As a stand alone or when I want to be refreshed - I'd give it a 3.5. Mostly because it lacks the gentle, simple lightness of the other teas I've sampled from my order.
In a nutshell let's say the teas from the Wuyi 7-in-1 Sampler pack lift me whereas the Lapsang grounds me. How's that?
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Jipin Grade - 4 out of 5 |
The Lapsang Souchong is probably a 4 out of 5. Taste is real strong. Stronger than I even thought it would be.
Further customer reviews can be found at Wuyi Tea 7-in-1 Sampler
