Lapsang Souchong - Black Tea - 45g

Cup Characteristics:  A superior leaf with a remarkable aroma of an oak fire.

This special smoked tea has a distinctive flavor sometimes referred to as tarry, and is a special tea from Fujian province. The Fukienese word, souchong means subvariety - that is a sub variety of other black teas from the Wuyi mountains of Fujian.  When Lapsang Souchong was first exported to western European countries and became famous on the international markets - it was no doubt due to the distinct aroma and flavor.

The method of production is as follows:  The leaves are first withered over fires of pine or cypress wood. After pan-frying and rolling, they are pressed into wooden barrels and covered with cloth to ferment until they give off a pleasant fragrance. The leaves are fired again and rolled into taut strips. Then they are placed in bamboo baskets and hung on wooden racks over smoking pine fires to dry and absorb the smoke flavor.  When finished they are thick, glossy black strips, and produce a dark red beverage with a unique aroma and taste. It is generally consumed with sugar or milk.