Lapsang souchong

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**Lapsang souchong**

Type:	Black

Other names:	Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, traditional: 正山小種, pinyin: zhèngshān xiǎozhǒng, Minnan (POJ): chèng-san sió-chéng, and Cantonese (Yale): jingsàan síujúng, 拉普山小种
Origin:	Mount Wuyi, Fujian Province China

Quick description:	Souchong smoked over pine fire, smoky taste.

Lapsang souchong is a black tea originally from the Zheng Shan part of Mount Wuyi in the Fujian province of China. Real Lapsang Souchong is rare as Wuyi is a small area and there is great demand for it, hence one can expect that real Lapsang Souchong will taste different from what one may find elsewhere. There is a great difference between real Lapsang Souchong and what is commonly sold as 'Lapsang Souchong.'

Lapsang souchong is a tea which has been withered over pine or cedar fires, pan-fried, rolled and oxidized before being fully dried in bamboo baskets over burning pine. The result is a smoky, earthy brew with a dominant scent and flavor of campfires, which overlies the flavor of the black tea itself. Sometimes the flavor is described as "oaky", a reference to fine wines (which are stored in oak barrels and develop a characteristic flavor) but, in fact, oak is not used in the process. Tea drinkers describe lapsang's flavor as "assertive" and "bold"; many consider it best suited to consumption in cold weather. Lapsang souchong is considered most complementary to spicy or salty foods. Also, it is purported that this tea is well suited to outdoor enthusiasts, especially after intense physical activities like hiking, distance running, or rock-climbing. This may be due to the fact that commonly available lapsang souchong is usually made from larger, lower grade leaves, that usually also have less caffeine than the more prized Orange Pekoe grade. Lapsang souchong was the favourite tea of the famous travel-writer and explorer Bruce Chatwin. Fictional drinkers of lapsang souchong include the librarian Miss Eells of John Bellairs's The Dark Secret of Weatherend, Emma Frost of the X-Men, and Alexander McKeag of James Michener's Centennial. Colin Hay makes reference to lapsang souchong in his song Beautiful World.

Brewed lapsang souchong is a deep reddish color.

Some people who try lapsang souchong have negative reactions to its flavour and aroma. It can be bitter, and is certainly not sweet. Lapsang souchong is described sometimes as an "acquired taste." Trace amounts of lapsang souchong are included in the Twinings company's Earl Grey blend.

A liqueur flavored with lapsang souchong tea called Qi has been produced in California since 2005.[1]