Lapsang Souchong – Rick’s Tea Face
I’m sipping Lapsang Souchong, which is a black tea dried then smoked over pine or cypress, giving it its distinctive smokey flavor and amber color. It’s the first time I’ve featured it in my Tea Face blog. I don’t sip it that often, but its flavor is very unique and I just want it every so often. Most sippers like it or they don’t. It is also an acquired taste, but if you get hooked on it, you’re hooked. We have many friends who buy it by the pound so they don’t run out. You want more information? Sure, please read on.
Lapsang Souchong is produced in the Fujian province of China, which has high mountains, pine forests, and plenty of mist, which are ideal for growing tea. Once dried, it’s put in baskets and hung over smoking fires which imparts the characteristic smoked flavor. This is the short version. We have more history on our website, so click on the link below to get a longer historical narrative.
For a personal perspective, Lapsang was not the tea we expected while we were considering thousands of teas to offer before we opened our store. Our first blender said we had to carry Lapsang, but when we sampled it, all we picked up was the smoke and memories of campfires. But, before opened our store, we were in London and saw Lapsang as one of five black teas offered in the Victoria & Albert Museum’s café, so we figured it must be popular around the world and we were right to offer it. Lapsang is also drank with milk and sugar which softens the flavor but still allows the smoke flavor to come through.
If you like unique teas, then Lapsang Souchong is definitely for you. The smokiness is addictive. Still curious? Sure you are. For more information, please click HERE, then stop by our store or pick up some on our website. Cheers!