Lapsang Souchong Osprey is considered one of the finest quality Lapsang Teas available on the market. Its top standard is assured and its flavour is unforgettably distinctive. The word “Lapsang” refers to the area around the village of Tong Mu Guan, in the Fujian province, where it was supposedly first created. “Souchong” refers to the tea leaves that are chosen. This means that instead of the new growths of two leaves and a bud plucked, like many other teas, Lapsang Souchong Tea uses the more mature, riper, larger leaves from the lower parts of the tea bushes. After fermentation, the leaves are put on hot iron pans and roasted for a short time before the tea is smoked over exotic woods rich in resin. This gives Lapsang Souchong Loose Tea its unique taste and aroma with many blends created since its discovery. The names come from favourable animals in Chinese culture with the more prestigious the animal, the more prestigious the tea!
No one fully knows the true origins of Lapsang Souchong aside from the general area from which it was created. Many stories and legends have been brought to light over the course of many centuries but none are necessarily credible owing to the fact there are so many differing legends! It is likely that some elements of truth lie within each respective story, as most follow a similar outline. Many such tales date back to the Qing Dynasty, when undesirable groups had free reign of the countryside, robbing, threatening and pillaging as they saw fit. In a desperate attempt to avoid the wrath of these people, farmers found themselves rushing to save their crop in time to reach the market. In order for this to be done, workers decided to artificially dry the leaves over pinewood fires, creating a distinctively smoky tea. The farmers worried their produce had been ruined but nonetheless attempted to sell it to Dutch traders. The result meant that Lapsang Souchong’s legacy was set in stone – The Dutch traders loved it, and so a new tea was born.
Type of Tea: Black Loose Leaf.
Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, China.
Brewing Guide: Brew this famous loose leaf black tea using fresh boiling water and infuse for 2 to 4 minutes.
How to Serve: This extraordinary brew can quite easily be enjoyed black, but milk, honey or lemon can also be considered as optional extras. Osprey would make a fantastic accompaniment to chocolate cake or even seafood! (Not recommended at the same time!)
Tasting Notes: This hearty loose tea has a pungent smoky aroma yet it’s taste is somewhat subtler to that of Lapsang Souchong Falcon. Particularly soothing to the palette, Osprey has delicious earthy and woody undertones.
Colour in Cup: Brown Liquor, dark in tone.
Health Benefits Lapsang Tea: Similar to other Lapsang Souchong varieties, Osprey’s health benefits are rich and plentiful. These include improved Cardiovascular health, strengthened Immune systems, weight loss control and an overall lower caffeine intake. Further to this, the antioxidants found in Lapsang Souchong Osprey can help prevent causes of inflammation – an ailment largely considered to be at the root of many modern diseases.
You can read more about our Lapsang Souchong Teas on an article we have put together on Lapsang Tea's
