Description Brewing Guide 漢字 正山小種 origin Fujian craft smoked with pine flavor notes pine smoke, earthy, robust 漢字 正山小種 origin Fujian craft smoked with pine flavor notes pine smoke, earthy, robust Lapsang Souchong originated during the tumult of the Taiping Rebellion, a civil war that raged through southern China from 1850 to 1864. While in the Wuyi Mountains, Taiping soldiers used bags of maocha, or unfinished tea, as resting cushions. Their weight crushed and damaged the leaves, encouraging the oxidation that transformed the leaves into a black tea. In an effort to stop the oxidation, the leaves were pan roasted and smoked with pine needles - imparting the unique smokiness for which this tea is known. "Lapsang" is a reference to the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian. "Souchong" means "small leaf variety", a cultivar related to Wuyi Yancha oolongs. Rich and robust, with a distinct smoky aroma, and mild sweetness in a rich red liquor. 1g per 1oz at 200°F for 2m This tea can handle higher brewing temperatures just shy of boiling. Start with the brewing method above and adjust to taste. Learn the fundamentals of tea brewing and master your technique here.
