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Lapsang Souchong – Tongmu Reserve

Lapsang Souchong – Tongmu Reserve Black Tea
$35.50
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A rare lot from the origin of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, or Lapsang Souchong, this elegant tea was produced in Tongmu Village. It’s difficult to gain access to this remote, government-protected area in Fujian Province, but we were fortunate to first visit a stunning mountaintop farm here in spring 2017.

The leaves undergo a unique processing method—withering in a smokehouse, spread on bamboo mats above smoldering local Chinese red pine—then a repeated sequence of rolling and firing. Considered to be the first style of black tea ever made, this traditional version is beautifully balanced, in stark contrast to the mass-produced commodities of the same name. Here, a subtle smokiness complements deep fruit and floral notes, rather than covering the essence of the tea. Notes of cranberry and a pleasant resinous aroma grow with each infusion; savor it through many steeps.

Country: China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: lilac, cranberry, pine
Harvest Season: Summer 2024

2 oz

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Brew temperature 210º F

Western style brewing 3-5 grams, 3 minute steep

Gaiwan style brewing ¼ full, 1 minute steep

Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
67%
(6)
22%
(2)
0%
(0)
11%
(1)
0%
(0)
F
Frank D.
The Lapsang Souchong that I remeber from 20 years ago...

Not overly smoky (as those from Formosa), with a subtle flavor profile and low tannins.

J
Johnny F.

smooth and tasty without being overly smokey.

W
Ward B.
A very special Lapsang Souchong

This was a milder tea in the can, and not as smoky as the normal Lapsang, but once in the cup it was very rich with fruity and floral notes not normally found in this kind of tea.

M
Michael B.

Probably my favorite black tea at the moment. Has a light but deep caramel sweetness and definite, but not overpowering, smokiness. Relatively little of the astringent/tannic character of a “breakfast” type tea. Just enough to round out the cup.

D
David P.

A truly fabulous tea - has the smokiness characteristic of a Lapsang, but still allows other flavors to shine through. Has been a huge hit in my housebound-by-COVID-19 family.

P
Peter W.

A special gift to a friend.

R
Rowan S.
A pleasing upgrade

As you probably all know, Lapsang is essentially a flavoured tea, where the flavouring is smoke. Most of the cheaper Lapsang I've enjoyed have a profile of mild tannins with heavy smoke… This is because it's a cheap tea and the smoke flavouring is what you're buying into. however this one is a completely different beast, the actual tea is good quality and that is the dominant taste and the smoke is more of a seasoning… A balance… Making this a much more interesting quality product that has to be used in a different way from cheaper smoky lapsang...

12

Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
67%
(6)
22%
(2)
0%
(0)
11%
(1)
0%
(0)
F
Frank D.
The Lapsang Souchong that I remeber from 20 years ago...

Not overly smoky (as those from Formosa), with a subtle flavor profile and low tannins.

J
Johnny F.

smooth and tasty without being overly smokey.

W
Ward B.
A very special Lapsang Souchong

This was a milder tea in the can, and not as smoky as the normal Lapsang, but once in the cup it was very rich with fruity and floral notes not normally found in this kind of tea.

M
Michael B.

Probably my favorite black tea at the moment. Has a light but deep caramel sweetness and definite, but not overpowering, smokiness. Relatively little of the astringent/tannic character of a “breakfast” type tea. Just enough to round out the cup.

D
David P.

A truly fabulous tea - has the smokiness characteristic of a Lapsang, but still allows other flavors to shine through. Has been a huge hit in my housebound-by-COVID-19 family.

P
Peter W.

A special gift to a friend.

R
Rowan S.
A pleasing upgrade

As you probably all know, Lapsang is essentially a flavoured tea, where the flavouring is smoke. Most of the cheaper Lapsang I've enjoyed have a profile of mild tannins with heavy smoke… This is because it's a cheap tea and the smoke flavouring is what you're buying into. however this one is a completely different beast, the actual tea is good quality and that is the dominant taste and the smoke is more of a seasoning… A balance… Making this a much more interesting quality product that has to be used in a different way from cheaper smoky lapsang...

12