Lapsang Souchong is a black tea with a distinctive smoky aroma and taste. Not for the faint of heart, this tea has a strong smoky flavour and a full-bodied liquor. A lot less subtle than the original Lapsang Souchong, customers who buy this tea tend to want a full-on taste explosion or to add another dimension to their Earl Grey.
Known for its distinctive smoky aroma and rich flavour, Lapsang Souchong Smoked Tea is a popular variety that has long captivated tea lovers around the world. Originating from the Wuyi region of China, this tea has a fascinating history and a unique production process that sets it apart from other black teas. Due to increasing demand, the tea used to make Lapsang Souchong now often comes from different provinces in China.
With a taste like no other, Lapsang Souchong Smoked Tea is unmistakable. It has a robust, smoky flavour with hints of pine and cypress, giving it a spicy, almost peaty character that lingers on the palate. This bold and warming flavour makes it a favourite with those who enjoy strong, full-bodied teas. Its unique flavour profile, reminiscent of a cosy campfire, is why Lapsang Souchong continues to grow in popularity and offers a distinctive and memorable tea experience, often compared to whisky.
Traditionally, Lapsang Souchong tea was not smoked. However, during the Qing Dynasty, it was accidentally exposed to the smoke of local conifers such as pine and cypress that gave it its unique reputation. This accidental discovery led to the creation of the first smoked tea. The tea’s popularity soared in Europe, thanks in part to Winston Churchill, who famously enjoyed it. Today, Lapsang Souchong remains a sought-after tea, prized for its historical significance and unique flavour.
The traditional smoking process involves exposing the tea leaves to smoke from wild growing trees (the older and more resinous the trees, the more intense the flavour). However, as sustainable production practices are crucial to maintaining a balance between tradition, quality and environmental responsibility, the tea is now smoked in bamboo baskets over fires of pine wood mixed with charcoal briquettes for around five hours. This method imparts the distinctive smoky flavour that tea lovers crave, but with a slightly milder taste than in the past.
Concerns about the potential carcinogenic effects of smoked tea have also been a factor in the development of lighter versions of Lapsang Souchong. Substances such as 2-phenylphenol, anthraquinone and biphenyl can be released during the smoking process. EU Regulation 396/2005 was introduced to ensure that tea importers take steps to ensure that their Lapsang Souchong meets maximum safety levels. This control mechanism, combined with the additional checks carried out by the organic inspection authorities, ensures that you can enjoy your Lapsang Souchong smoked tea with peace of mind.
Tip: For a unique twist on a classic tea, try making your own Smoky Earl Grey. The strong, smoky notes of Lapsang Souchong blend beautifully with the bright, citrusy bergamot flavour of Earl Grey, creating a balanced and intriguing fusion of smokiness and freshness. This combination offers a new and exciting way to enjoy these popular teas.
Whether enjoyed on its own or blended with Earl Grey, Lapsang Souchong Smoked Tea promises an unforgettable tea experience. Its distinctive flavour is bold and polarising, making it a tea that people either love or hate – there is no middle ground with Lapsang Souchong!
DE-ÖKO-006
Non-EU Agriculture
From controlled organic cultivation
Black Tea
DE-ÖKO-006
Non-EU Agriculture
From controlled organic cultivation
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