Old Bush Lapsang Souchong 老枞小种 (2025)
Tea Profile
Type: Black Tea (Unsmoked Lapsang Souchong, Zhengshan Xiaozhong)
Location: Guaduan Village 挂墩, Tongmuguan, Wuyishan
Altitude: 1200–1400m
Harvest Date: May 18th, 2025
Cultivar: Wuyi Cai Cha 武夷菜茶 (Heirloom Qun Ti Zhong 群体种)
Age of Tea Bushes: Over 100 years
The Story of This Tea
This old bush Lapsang Souchong was crafted from wild Cai Cha trees growing deep within the Wuyishan National Nature Reserve. At 1200 to 1400 meters, these century-old bushes thrive among moss-covered rocks and pristine forest air. Their deep roots draw from mineral-rich soils, giving the tea its clarity and sweetness.
Each spring, the yield is tiny. These tall, untamed bushes produce limited tender shoots, handpicked by local farmers who have tended these slopes for generations. The result is a black tea that reflects the untouched ecology of Wuyishan. Pure, balanced, and full of quiet mountain energy.
Aroma and Flavour
The dry leaves are large and twisted, resembling fine Yancha. Once steeped, they release a golden, bright liquor that fills the cup with a refreshing mountain aroma. The tea opens with notes of honey and fruit before deepening into sweet potato warmth and floral sweetness. Its texture is silky and cooling, leaving a lingering sweetness in the throat that recalls the freshness of a mountain stream.
- Aroma: Honey, dried fruit, flowers, and sweet potato with a clean mountain freshness
- Flavor: Smooth, naturally sweet, and bright with balanced depth
- Texture: Silky and refreshing, with a pure, cooling finish
- Aftertaste: Lingering sweetness and forest-cool sensation
- Steeping Endurance: 8 to 10 infusions without losing clarity
Brewing Guidelines
Gong Fu Style
- Teaware: Porcelain gaiwan or glass pot
- Ratio: 6–7 g per 100 ml water
- Water: 95–100°C spring water
- Infusions: Brief rinse, then 8–10 infusions, gradually extending steeping time
Western Style
- Teaware: Porcelain or glass teapot
- Ratio: 3–4 g per 250 ml water
- Water: 95–100°C
- Steeping: 3–4 minutes for the first infusion; resteep 2–3 times
Why Choose This Tea
Harvested from wild Cai Cha bushes over a century old, this unsmoked Zhengshan Xiaozhong embodies the true heritage of Wuyi Rock Tea. The high-altitude terroir of Guaduan Village gives it clarity and sweetness rarely found in modern black teas. Its endurance across many infusions and golden, honeyed liquor make it an exceptional choice for anyone seeking authentic Chinese tea with natural elegance and depth. Perfect for collectors and Wuyishan purists who appreciate teas with both character and calm.