B-CN-006
Lapsang Souchong (Smoked)
正山小种
Pine-smoked black, from Wuyi, China.
Black tea
Lapsang Souchong (Smoked) is strongest on aroma intensity, finish length and smoky. Typical tasting words: pine smoke, campfire, smoked wood, resin, dried fig. Originating in the 17th century in Tongmu village, created accidentally or out of urgency when drying leaves over local pine wood. Extremely prominent in European trading history; famously paired with hearty, savoury foods or savoured outdoors in cold climates.
Also known as Smoked Lapsang, Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong Smoked and Tar Tea.
The profile
Taste, 0 to 5
Flavour families, 0 to 5
Facts
- Origin
- Wuyi, China
- Plant
- Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Xiao Zhong cultivar
- Harvest
- Late spring (May)
- Elevation
- high
- Oxidation
- 85 to 95%
- Roast
- medium-dark
- Leaf
- twisted
- Price band
- affordable
- Availability
- everywhere
- Ageing
- worthwhile
- Forgiving to brew
- 5 of 5
- L-theanine
- low
Made by: withering over pine fire, then rolling, then oxidation, then pan-frying, then roasting over pine wood smoke.
Caffeine
A cup of Lapsang Souchong (Smoked) carries a typical estimate of 45 mg of caffeine, within a range of 30 to 60 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.
How to brew it
| Method | Leaf | Water | Steeps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western, 250 ml | 3 g | 95 to 100 °C | 3 min, 4 min, 5 min |
| Gongfu, 100 ml | 5 g | 95 to 100 °C | Rinse, then 15 s, 20 s, 25 s, 35 s, 50 s, 70 s |
| Cold brew, 250 ml | 2.5 g | Fridge | 8 to 12 hours |
Up to 7 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.
Drinking it
- morning
- afternoon
- evening
- cold_weather
- after_meal
- social
Pairs with cheese, red_meat and chocolate. Milk: yes. Iced: no. Sweetener: yes. Good for beginners: no.
Tasting words explained
Similar teas
- B-RU-064Russian Caravan Style
shares aroma intensity and finish length - D-CN-027Hunan Tian Jian
shares aroma intensity and body - S-GB-021Smoked Earl Grey
shares aroma intensity and smoky - D-CN-026Hunan Qian Liang (Thousand Tael)
shares body and finish length - D-CN-029Anhua Dark Tea Cake
shares body and smoothness - D-CN-033Butter Tea Base (Po Cha)
shares body and woody
More: all black tea teas, teas from Wuyi Mountains, Fujian, China, or filter the whole drawer.