2022 Guadun Lapsang Souchong - Traditionally Smoked Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong

Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (正山小种), meaning "Original Mountain Small Varietal," refers both to Tongmu Guan as its birthplace and to the small-leaf Wuyi tea cultivar used to craft this historic tea. With a history spanning over 400 years, this style of traditionally smoked Lapsang Souchong is considered the earliest form of black tea and was once favored by the British royal family.

This tea comes from Guadun Village, one of the four core producing areas of Tongmu Guan, alongside Masu, Miaowan, and Jiangdun. Nestled at 1,100 meters above sea level, Guadun is a pristine and remote region, renowned not only for its tea but also for its rich biodiversity, serving as an important site for biological type specimens. The tea trees used for this batch are Lao Cong (Old Bush) tea trees, which are more mature and robust, resulting in a deeper, more layered flavor profile.

Unlike modern Lapsang Souchong, Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong is traditionally smoked over pine wood in Qing Lou (青楼), specialized three-story wooden smokehouses. These structures serve multiple functions throughout the withering, oxidation, and drying process, allowing the tea to naturally absorb the pine wood essence in an integrated, time-honored manner.

Freshly made Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong has a bold pinewood smoke character, but aging refines its profile. As the smoke mellows, the tea’s natural complexity emerges, becoming smoother and more harmonious. This batch was processed in spring 2022 by Master Chen from Masu Village, commissioned by Ni Lianwang, who carefully aged the tea for three years before making it available.

Now fully matured, this 2022 Guadun Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong presents a beautifully transformed profile. The once-intense smokiness has softened, revealing a rich longan fruit sweetness, deep woody undertones, and a smooth, lingering finish. With its refined balance of smoke, fruit, and wood, this tea exemplifies the depth and artistry of traditionally crafted Lapsang Souchong.