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Invoking images of wood-burning stoves and forest walks, this strong and smoky tarry lapsang from Fujian province is the perfect black tea to warm your winter.
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Invoking images of wood-burning stoves and forest walks, this strong and smoky tarry lapsang from Fujian province is the perfect black tea to warm your winter.
Invoking images of wood-burning stoves and forest walks, this strong and smoky tarry lapsang from Fujian province is the perfect black tea to warm your winter.
Redolent of pine smoke, this loose-leaf Chinese smoked tea from Fujian province takes the bold, intoxicating character of Lapsang Souchong a notch further. Characterised by black-brown wavy leaves and an amber-coloured infusion, our Tarry Lapsang Souchong offers a sharp note of smoke on the nose and a light yet spicy flavour profile.
True to tradition, this black tea is harvested in summer in China's rugged Wuyi Mountains, using the tougher leaves from the lower parts of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are then smoked over pine wood. To achieve that unique tarry Lapsang Souchong tea taste, this type of tea is smoked using the wood and the resinous bark of the horsetail pine to amplify its flavour. When brewed, the infusion is a beautiful amber colour that hints at its pine-resin influences. Its smoky, woody nature will appeal to those who appreciate single-malts and warm, aromatic hints of spice.
Located in the hardscrabble landscape surrounding Tong Mu village, the tea gardens that supply the leaves for Lapsang Souchong are rooted in mountainous, rocky terrain 1,200-1,500m above sea level. It's here that the very history of commercially viable black tea is thought to have begun when, according to the most popular story, 17th-century battles between Ming forces and the ascendant Qing dynasty led to a passing army camping in one of Tong Mu's tea production facilities. Before the mid-1600s, only green (unoxidised) and oolong (partially oxidised) teas were drunk in China. But as the Tong Mu workers scrambled to catch up with the tea harvest after the soldiers left, they placed the leaves over pine embers to dry faster – and this charismatic tea was born.
Like a dark black tea, Lapsang Souchong is high in caffeine, making it a great all-day pick-you-up, and contains body-boosting benefits besides: B vitamins, which help with energy and fighting infection, plus minerals such as potassium, zinc and manganese.
Lapsang Souchong is particularly appreciated in the West for its unique smell and distinctive savoury taste. But perhaps no nation has embraced it as much as we British, who have made it a staple of afternoon tea menus and use it to create everything from Lapsang Souchong smoked salmon to smoky cocktails.
This tea offers a strong smoky aroma and light emerald infusion. A bold yet, balanced cup with pine wood, tobacco and burnt caramel notes with lively and pleasant mouthfeel.
Pinewood smoked black Chinese tea
Overall rating: 4.7318435 / 5 from 179 reviews.
This Tarry Lapsang Souchong tea, sourced from China's Wuyi Mountains, is celebrated for its intense smoky aroma and flavor, high-quality leaves, and efficient delivery. Customers consistently praise its unique taste and recommend it to tea enthusiasts. The tea's rich history and health benefits, including high caffeine and essential minerals, further enhance its appeal.
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"It's not my favourite Lapsang. It's thick-ish, but has a tiny "edge" of slightly-bitter "English Black Tea" taste, that I don't like. I can drink this fine in the afternoon, but first thing in the morning, it is not ideal. I can't handle normal black teas after 30+ years of strong Lapsangs. It's tough to find your perfect Lapsang these days, and clearly everyone has their own "perfect"."
"I really like the Lapsang and love the tiny tea strainer which means I can make an individual cup. The strainers are quite tricky to find as they're either super cheap and fall apart within a few weeks or they're attached to a mug and resemble something from Dr Who. This one is perfect."
"The Tarry Lapsang Souchong has an excellent flavour. An added slice of lemon increases the pleasure of drinking this tea in the morning. A great tea."
"all good"
"The Tarry Lapsang Souchong is, quite simply, an extraordinary tea-amazing, excellent, and completely unique. From the very first infusion, it commands attention with its intense smoky character, deep complexity, and unmistakable personality. The aroma alone is captivating, instantly evoking images of wood-burning stoves, crackling fires, and quiet forest walks in winter. On the palate, the smokiness is bold yet beautifully controlled-never harsh, never overwhelming. Instead, it unfolds with depth and warmth, revealing layers that linger long after each sip. It is rich, long-lasting, and incredibly satisfying. What makes this tea truly addictive is its balance: powerful and distinctive, yet smooth and refined. It’s a tea that doesn’t try to please everyone-and that is precisely its strength. Confident, characterful, and unapologetically smoky, it leaves a lasting impression and keeps calling you back for another cup. A remarkable black tea with soul and presence. For those who appreciate depth, intensity, and uniqueness, this is an unforgettable experience and an absolute must-try."
"My Lapsang Souchong tea arrived in perfect condition and was as flavorful as ever. Many thanks for the easy ordering and prompt delivery."
"The tea is absolutely perfect and the service is second to none"
"My favourite tea, I’ve been looking for a good quality lapsang for ages and tried most on the UK market- this one is outstanding"
"I honestly wish my Laphroaig single malt tasted as smoky as this tea. This tea is the crème de la crème for lovers of smoky flavours."
"Since Twinings discontinued their lapsang tea bags I have tried umpteen different brands of teabags and loose leaf teas to find an adequately smoky substitute. Have finally found it here!"
