Shaowu is a city in north western Fujian, right in the centre of the Wuyi Mountains, home of some of the most famous teas in China. These mountains are famous for Oolongs as well as being the original source of Lapsang Souchong. It is said that during the Qing era, passing armies delayed the annual drying of the tea leaves and so to speed up the process the leaves were dried over fires made from local pines. Lapsang from the original source is becoming increasingly expensive, as Wuyi is a small area and demand is great. We are delighted to have obtained some of this authentic smoky tea for you to appreciate, without it costing a fortune. Produced in the traditional way these leaves are roasted in a bamboo basket called a honglong, over local pinewood, this imparts the characteristic resin like aroma and taste.
