Lapsang Souchong

Lapsang Souchong, literally meaning "sub-variety from Lapu Mountain", originates from the Wuyi region of the Chinese province of Fujian. Sometimes referred to as 'smoked tea', Lapsang is distinct from all other types of tea because lapsang leaves are traditionally smoke-dried over pinewood fires, taking on a distinctive smoky flavor.

History

According to some sources, Lapsang souchong is the first black tea in history, even earlier than Keemun tea. After the lapsang souchong tea was used for producing black tea called Min Hong (meaning "Black tea produced in Fujian"), people started to move the tea bush to different places like Keemun, India and Ceylon.

The story goes that the tea was created during the Qing era when the passage of armies delayed the annual drying of the tea leaves in the Wuyi Mountain. Eager to satisfy demand, the tea producers sped up the drying process by having their workers dry the tea leaves over fires made from local pines.

Caffeine Content: 35-40 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup