Da Hong Pao

Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong 正山小种

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As the legendary first red tea from the Wuyi Mountains, it offers a robust amber cup where bold pine smoke and sweet fruity notes intertwine in a timeless smoky harmony.

As the legendary first red tea from the Wuyi Mountains, it offers a robust amber cup where bold pine smoke and sweet fruity notes intertwine in a timeless smoky harmony.

Da Hong Pao

FACTS ABOUT THE TEA

Name

Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong 正山小种

English Name

Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong

Type of Tea

Black

Harvest Date

Spring Harvest (Early - Late April)

Origin

China

Shelf Life

Best enjoyed within 18–24 months

Caffeine Level​

3/5
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Woody
Flavor
FruitySweet

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

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April 29, 2026 11:57 pm
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April 29, 2026 11:57 pm
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April 29, 2026 11:57 pm
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April 29, 2026 11:57 pm

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February 2, 2026

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4.0
★★★★
3 ratings
★★★★★
2
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0
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1
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4.0
★★★★
3 ratings
★★★★★
2
★★★★☆
0
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★★☆☆☆
1
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Long Description

Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (正山小种) is the legendary first red tea of the Wuyi Mountains, Its deep amber liquor carries an iconic smoky aroma born from pinewood drying, yet beneath the smoke lies a natural sweetness that rounds the tea beautifully. Notes of dried fruit, warm pine resin, and gentle caramel linger through each sip, creating a bold yet balanced profile that feels both rustic and timeless. This is a tea with heritage and presence—robust, fragrant, and beloved for the harmonious way its smoke and sweetness come together in every cup.

How Did It Get Its Name? A Literal Description

The name "Lapsang Souchong" is a phonetic translation of its Chinese name, Zhèngshān Xiǎozhǒng (正山小种).

Zhèngshān (正山) / Lap Sang: Means "True Mountain" or "Original Mountain," referring specifically to the protected, core origin area in the Wuyi Mountains.

Xiǎozhǒng (小种) / Souchong: Means "small variety," referring to the smaller, local leaf tea bush used.

So, the name itself is a stamp of authenticity: "The Small-Leaf Tea from the True Mountain." Any tea outside this region is considered a variation or an imitation.

Origin & History: A Legendary Accident

Lapsang Souchong's origin story is one of delightful serendipity, set during the late Ming or early Qing Dynasty (around the 17th century).

As the legend goes, an army unit passed through the Tongmu Guan village in the Wuyi Mountains and decided to set up camp in a tea factory, crowding out the tea leaves that were laid out to wither. To hasten the drying process and make room, the quick-thinking farmers sped up the drying by smoking the tea leaves over fires made from local pine wood.

The result was a tea unlike any other—dark, smoky, and intensely aromatic. When this "smoked tea" reached the European market (primarily the Dutch and British), it was an instant sensation. Its bold, robust flavor held up perfectly on long sea voyages and became a defining taste, leading to the creation of the English Breakfast Tea blend.

The Leaves: A Visual Tale

Dry Leaf: The leaves are dark, nearly black, and tightly twisted. They are not shiny, but have a matte, almost dusty appearance from the smoking process. When you look closely, you might see hints of dark gold or deep amber.

Wet Leaf: After brewing, the leaves unfurl to reveal a deep coppery-brown color, confirming their full oxidation.

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