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8 Saturation
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9 Aftertaste
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8 Aroma
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8 Effect
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7 Balance
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7 Body
Yan Xun Xiaozhong (Heavy Smoked Lapsang Souchong): The Smoky Treasure of Chinese Tea
Yan Xun Xiaozhong , or Lapsang Souchong (Chinese: 烟薰小种, pinyin: yānxūn xiǎozhǒng), can be translated from Chinese as "Small Smoked Grade." It is a unique Chinese red tea renowned for its rich, smoky aroma. It is smoked over pine charcoal, giving the drink a unique, recognizable flavor. It is one of the most famous and beloved teas in the world, prized for its vibrant character and warming properties.
History and origin
Lapsang Souchong is harvested from Wuyi Mountain (Chinese: 武夷山, pinyin: wǔyíshān), Fujian Province (Chinese: 福建, pinyin: fújiàn), China. Its history spans several centuries. Initially produced for the imperial court, this tea was considered a drink for special occasions. Over time, Lapsang Souchong became popular worldwide thanks to British traders who brought it to Europe.
Production and features
- Smoking: The key feature of Lapsang Souchong production is smoking. The tea leaves are exposed to smoke from pine logs, which imparts their characteristic aroma and flavor.
- Flavor and Aroma: Lapsang Souchong's flavor is very vibrant and rich. It combines notes of smoke, wood, fruit (often compared to prunes), and a touch of sweetness. The tea's aroma is intense and smoky, with hints of resin and spice.
- Appearance: Dried tea leaves are typically dark brown and twisted. Lapsang Souchong infusion is clear and amber-colored.
Why try Lapsang Souchong?
- Unique Taste: The smoky aroma and rich flavor make Lapsang Souchong unlike other teas.
- Warming effect: This tea is great for warming up during the cold season and lifting your spirits.
- Versatility: Lapsang Souchong can be brewed in a variety of ways, each of which reveals new facets of its flavor.
- History and Traditions: You're not just drinking tea, but part of China's rich tea culture.
How to brew Lapsang Souchong?
For brewing Lapsang Souchong, it's best to use water at a temperature of 95-100 degrees Celsius. The tea can be steeped multiple times, but the flavor will vary slightly each time.
Lapsang Souchong in modern culture
Lapsang Souchong remains one of the most popular teas in the world. It is frequently mentioned in literature, film, and music. This tea has become a symbol of authenticity and tradition.
Lapsang Souchong is more than just a drink; it's a journey into a world of aromas and flavors. If you enjoy unusual and vibrant teas, be sure to try this smoky masterpiece of Chinese teamaking.
When heated by breathing, the tea gives off a rich, smoky aroma, revealing oak-smoked ingredients, a light hint of incense, prunes, and a piercing hint of butter-fried bread crusts. After washing, the richness deepens. A strong smoky aroma is evident, with hints of smoldering wood chips from the smoker.
The flavor of Yan Xuan Xiaozhong (heavily smoked Lapsang Souchong ) is surprisingly light and soft, even slightly sweet. The taste features hints of juniper twigs smoldering in a samovar, a hint of bitter caramel, and bread crusts. After the third steeping, the flavor becomes intensely smoky, and the sweetness dissipates. This tea can be steeped up to five times, using 5 grams of dry tea per 150 ml gaiwan or clay teapot.
The finished infusion is a beautiful amber with golden highlights. The aftertaste is rich, with hints of smoked foods, burnt sugar, and roasted walnuts.
Tea is a great tonic and energizing drink. It lifts your mood and helps you concentrate and relax at the same time.
Yan Xuan Xiaozhong (Lapsang Souchong), a heavily smoked tea, is quite interesting and worthy of attention. It's recommended for those tired of the classic taste of red tea, and for those seeking new flavors and an unusual effect.
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Name in Chinese
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烟薰小种 |
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Pinyin
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yān xūn xiǎozhǒng |
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English name
|
Small grade smoked |
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Translation
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Small grade smoked |
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Tea variety
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Lapsang Souchong |
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Country
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China |
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Provinces
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Fujian (福建) |
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