Lapsang Souchong Butterfly Tea

Lapsang Souchong is one of our most popular Chinese Teas. This Lapsang Souchong Butterfly grade tea is extra special. An especially tarry, smoky Tea from the Chinese Province of Fujian. Grown in the northern district of Fujian in the famous Wuyi Mountains. The mountains of Wuyi are perfect for growing teas where the thick pine forests create a misty, dense atmosphere helping the tea bushes mature.

The smoky character of Lapsang is a story of Legend. Allegedly the smoking process happened by accident in the 17th century during the Qing dynasty. It is told that the emperor's army was marching through the village of Xingcun in Fujian, they stopped and set up camp in the nearby tea factory, bringing the production to a halt. When the workers returned they realised they were too late to dry the loose tea leaves in time for market, so they light pine fires to speed things along. The tea leaves dried and made it to market on time, but the leaves tasted smoky. The tea buyers loved this new flavour and demanded more Lapsang Souchong. The smokiness of Lasang has become a real favourite outside of China, especially in Britain.

Lapsang Souchong Butterfly Tea

Type of Tea: Orthodox Smoked Black Tea. Small batch, handcrafted.

Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Xingchun region, Northern Fujian, China.

Altitude: 1,500 feet up to 5,000 feet

Loose Leaf Grade: Special Loose Leaf Lapsang.

Growing Season: March to April.

How is Lapsang Souchong made ? The fresh picked loose leaves are first withered over open fires of pine. After frying the leaves in large pans they are packed into barrels, covered and left to ferment until they give off their special perfumed fragrance. The leaves are then fired a second time and rolled out. Next they leaves are placed in bamboo baskets and put on wooden shelving above the smoking pine fires to absorb more smokiness. When finished the leaves have a darker black appearance.

Brewing Guide: Brew with fresh water, boiling and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes. Often drunk with milk and sugar.

Tasting Notes: The smokiness of Lapsang Souchong is an acquired taste, sometimes we call it the marmite effect “love it or hate it”. The taste sensation is earthy and smoky.

Colour in Cup: A dark red liquor in cup.

Health Benefits of Lapsang Souchong Tea: Lapsang Tea comes from the traditional Camellia Sinensis Tea bush and is a good source of Antioxidants and Polyphenols which help to inhibit certain chronic diseases. The drinking of three or more cups of black tea strengthens the body's cardiovascular and immune system.