Lapsang Souchong

Lapsang Souchong, also known as Zhengshan Xiaozhong, is a unique type of smoked black tea hailing from the Wuyi Mountains, specifically the Tongmuguan region in Fujian Province, China. With a history spanning over 400 years, Lapsang Souchong is not only a beloved tea variety but also a testament to China's rich tea culture and heritage.

The origins of Lapsang Souchong can be traced back to the late Ming Dynasty, when tea production in the Wuyi Mountains was undergoing significant changes. Originally known for its compressed tea cakes, the region adapted to the imperial decree that abolished the production of compressed tea in favor of loose-leaf tea. It was during this period that an unexpected incident led to the creation of Lapsang Souchong.

According to legend, a contingent of soldiers took refuge in a tea factory during the Qing Dynasty, trampling on fresh tea leaves and preventing their timely drying. Desperate to salvage the crop, the tea makers smoked the leaves over pinewood fires, inadvertently creating the distinct smoky flavor that has since become synonymous with Lapsang Souchong.

As word of this new tea spread, it gained popularity, particularly among Europeans who found its robust flavor and aroma alluring. By the 17th century, Lapsang Souchong had found its way to Europe, where it quickly became a favorite among aristocrats and royalty, solidifying its reputation as a premium tea.

Legends and Stories

Beyond its accidental creation, Lapsang Souchong is surrounded by several legends and stories that add depth and mystique to its history. One popular tale recounts how tea traders, eager to maintain the tea's exclusivity, would toss pinecones into the fires used for smoking, enhancing the tea's smoky character even further. This practice, while unconfirmed, adds to the folklore surrounding this unique tea.

Another fascinating aspect of Lapsang Souchong's history lies in its name. The term "Lapsang Souchong" is believed to be a Western corruption of the Chinese phrase "Lapsang" (a corruption of "Zhengshan," meaning "true mountain") and "Souchong," referring to the grade or size of the tea leaves. This name, adopted by Western traders, helped establish the tea's identity in international markets.

Cultural Significance

Lapsang Souchong holds immense cultural significance within China and abroad. In China, it represents the ingenuity and adaptability of tea farmers in the face of adversity. Its unique smoky flavor has become emblematic of the Wuyi Mountains and the region's rich tea-making tradition.

Internationally, Lapsang Souchong is celebrated for its role in fostering cross-cultural exchange. As one of the first Chinese teas to gain widespread popularity in Europe, it contributed to the development of the Western tea culture and the rise of the "afternoon tea" ritual. The tea's association with luxury and sophistication continues to this day, with many connoisseurs valuing its distinct character and flavor.

Modern Appreciation

In modern times, Lapsang Souchong remains a highly sought-after tea, enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Its robust flavor and aroma make it a standout among black teas, offering a taste of history and tradition in every sip.

As the tea industry evolves, Lapsang Souchong continues to be produced using traditional methods, with some producers experimenting with variations to appeal to contemporary palates. Whether enjoyed on its own or blended with other teas and ingredients, Lapsang Souchong remains a timeless classic, cherished for its unique blend of smoke, spice, and sweetness.

In conclusion, Lapsang Souchong stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of China's tea farmers and the enduring appeal of this smoky black tea. Its rich history, intriguing legends, and cultural significance make it a beloved beverage that continues to captivate tea lovers worldwide.

Shipping Methods, Duration Estimates & Fees

1. Shipping Methods

4px as our logistics partner to ship out AllenTeas products. They will choose the carrier that they think works best for our customers.

Where does AllenTeas ship to? For tea products, the following countries can be shipped：

North America
Canada, Mexico, United States

South America
Brazil, Chile, Colombia

Europe
Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Asia
Afghanistan, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan

Africa
Egypt, Morocco, South Africa

Oceania
Australia, New Zealand

Delivery Scope Notes:

United States: Mainland, all territories outside the mainland, and overseas military postal addresses.
United Kingdom: Mainland and the Channel Islands, Isle of Man.
France: Mainland only, postal codes starting with 01-95. Delivery to overseas territories is not available, including Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte.
Other countries: Mainland only.

2. Duration Estimates

The expected delivery time is between 8 to 20 days for most countries, unless stated otherwise during checkout.

Fulfillment time takes 1-3 business days.

Total transit time is: Fulfillment time(1-3 business days) + Transit Time(8-20 days).

3. Fees

We offer free shipping sitewide.

Note: We always work hard to dispatch your order as fast as possible (usually the next working day), but we can’t control delays due to custom clearance (especially during the shopping high season). When you place an order, please take into account the possibility for delays.

Order Processing Speed

All products offered in our online store are in stock unless stated otherwise. Thus, orders are processed usually the next business day. Orders placed during the weekend are processed on Monday.

Unfortunately, in rare cases products may run out of stock. In such situations, we'll have to wait for restocking and it may take 2-4 working days to process your order.

Shipping Confirmation with Trace & Trace Number 

All orders are packed with care to guarantee safe delivery. When your order is dispatched, we'll send you a shipping confirmation the next day by email, which includes an online tracking number. If you haven't received your shipping confirmation, please check if it landed in your junk folder.

All parcels can be tracked on the Track your Order page. Once your parcel has arrived in your country, you may also use the tracking number on the website of your local post.

Customs

From 1 July 2021, the Valued-Added Tax (VAT) on cross-border business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce activities in the European Union (EU) has to be applied on all goods that are sold online to EU.

For most non-EU countries you don't have to pay any taxes when receiving the parcel. However, sometimes local authorities may require you to pay custom taxes. As an importer, you're responsible for paying customs taxes and import fees if the arise.

For many EU countries, we've started offering tax inclusive shipping, meaning you don't have to pay tax when you receive the parcel. Taxes are included, if its stated in the selected shipping method.

Country Specific Information

South Korea:For shipping to South Korea please make sure you mobile phone number is correct as this will be used for identification purposes at the customs. Ideally, please also fill in a Personal Customs Clearance Code in the VAT field of the address details. For more information about personal custom clearance code you can visit this page on customs.go.kr.

Brazil: For shipments to Brazil it's mandatory to add your personal Tax number to your shipping details. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.

Japan: For shipments to Japan it's mandatory to provide the shipping address in Japanese language.

Türkiye: Personal ID number (tax number) is required. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.