Hundred Years Lapsang Souchong Smoked Style 烟熏百年老枞小种 (2025)

Tea Profile

Type: Black Tea (Smoked Zhengshan Xiaozhong, 烟熏正山小种)
Location: Guadun Village 挂墩村, Tongmuguan 桐木关, Wuyishan
Altitude: Around 1200m
Harvest Date: Spring 2025
Cultivar: Wuyi Cai Cha 武夷菜茶 (Qun Ti Zhong 群体种)
Age of Tea Trees: Around 120 years

The Story of This Tea

This smoked Zhengshan Xiaozhong comes from Guadun Village, one of the 12 natural hamlets of Tongmuguan — the birthplace of the world’s first black tea. The old Cai Cha bushes here are around 120 years old, growing at 1200 meters amidst misty peaks and forests.

Made using the most traditional Tongmu smoking process, this tea reflects centuries of craftsmanship. Fresh leaves are withered on the second floor of a yan lou (烟楼, smoke building), while pine wood and pine needles are burned below. As the pine oil rises, it is absorbed into the leaves, giving the tea its signature longan-like fragrance. After withering, the leaves are rolled, fermented, and dried in the smoke house.

Aroma and Flavour

• Aroma: Sweet pine smoke layered with ripe fruit fragrance, reminiscent of longan

• Flavour: Smooth, rich, and sweet with a pronounced smoky character

• Texture: Delicate yet full, coating the palate without harshness

• Aftertaste: Long, sweet, and lingering, with balanced smoke and fruitiness

• Liquor: Bright reddish-gold, clear and vibrant

Unlike lighter modern Lapsang styles, this tea carries a robust smoky aroma, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy traditional Tongmu flavour. With age, the smoky notes will soften, giving way to deeper fruit and honey tones.

Brewing Guidelines

Gong Fu Style

• Teaware: Porcelain gaiwan or glass teapot

• Ratio: 6–7g per 100ml water

• Water: 95–100°C spring water

• Infusions: Rinse once, then brew 7–9 infusions, gradually lengthening steeps

Western Style

• Teaware: Porcelain or glass teapot

• Ratio: 3–4g per 250ml water

• Water: 95°C

• Steeping: 3–4 minutes for the first infusion, resteep 2–3 times

Why Choose This Tea

• Authentic Tongmu smoking: Made in the traditional yan lou smoke house with pine wood and pine needles

• Heritage material: Crafted from 120-year-old Cai Cha bushes in Guadun Village

• Strong smoky style: A bolder Lapsang, ideal for those who love the classic smoked profile

• Aging potential: Smokiness softens over time, evolving into rich fruit and honey sweetness

The 2025 Century-Old Smoked Lapsang Souchong is a bold, traditional Tongmu black tea. For those who enjoy the strength of pine-smoked character, this is a must-try vintage.