Lapsang Souchong China black which seems to be practically unknown in China since it has always been made principally for export. Xiao Zhong (Souchong) literally means small leaf varietal. It is scented with pinewood smoke, which impregnates the leaf. The liquor is rich, red syrup with a distinctive smoked flavour. It is a special product of Fujian which one legend claims was discovered by accident at the end of Ming Dynasty. Soldiers passing through camped in a tea factory filled with fresh leaf awaiting manufacture. When workers could get back into the factory, it was too late to fire the leaf the usual way and open fires of pine wood were lit to hasten the drying. When the tea reached the market, the smoke flavour created a sensation and a new product was born. According to official records, Lapsang Souchong is the first black tea ever produced. The one and only original comes from high up in the Wuyi Mountains in Tong Mu Guan, where it is still made by the Jiang family, the original producers. Like Scotch whiskey, you love it or leave it on its own unmistakable terms. (Pratt 2010)
