Aged Lapsang Souchong Black Tea from Early 1990s

Description

Explore our Aged Lapsang Souchong Black Tea from the early 1990s. It’s a mellow, smoky tea rich in malty, fruity, and honeyed flavors.

To achieve the uniquely smoky aromas and flavors of Lapsang Souchong, tea masters dry the tea leaves over pinewood fires. The smoke imparts a distinctive flavor to the leaves. In young Lapsang Souchong, those flavors are intense, even harsh. In some cases, they may override the typically sweet and malty flavors of black tea.

However, as the tea ages, those smoky flavors soften. The woody notes of the tea leaves begin to shine, while simultaneously delivering notes of dried fruit, wild honey, and peat. The aging process also transforms bitter-tasting compounds like tannins.

It’s not the same dynamic aging process seen in Puerh tea, but Lapsang Souchong responds very well to resting in dry storage. After a year or two, those campfire notes soften, making room for sweet flavors. Wood, spice, and dried fruits appear after 3 to 4 years. After 5-6 years, the smoky notes move into the background. The tea becomes cleaner, sweeter, and more complex.

Our Lapsang Souchong has been aging since the early 1990s, so it has lost the intense and overpowering smoke. As a result, it’s cleaner and more balanced.