Many people continue to be under the misconception that Lapsang is always a smoked tea. This is not true.
Lapsang Souchong comes from the Chinese name 'Zhengshan Xiaozhong' and literally describes a particular cultivar (Xingcun Xiaozhong) which is grown in this part of Fujian. The tea smoked over pine wood has traditionally been popular mostly for the foreign market (the French adore their smoked teas).
Pure Lapsang has two broad flavour profiles. Some Lapsang's go down the chocolate and dried fruits road while others are floral with fresh fruit and cut woods. This tea is distinctly the latter.
We actually were not searching for any Lapsang on our trip to Fujian but this batch raised eyebrows with its unabashed flowers and fruit that we had to buy a little. We rarely encounter a Lapsang with so much clarity in the fruit notes (muscatel and lychees) and bright floral bouquets of citrus rose and lilacs. It shares aroma notes with the highly sought after (and much more expensive) Eastern Beauty. Underpin these vibrant flavours with some toasted granola and fresh cut wood and the result is a very special little tea.
Tong Mu village continues to be a mercurial place producing all kinds of crazy tea and this one is an absolute steal for your collection.
