Zhengshan Xiaozhong (Lapsang Souchong)正山小种

In the cup, Zhengshan Xiaozhong (Lapsang Souchong) is best understood as a black tea built around longan, honey, and pine. The secondary notes of dried fruit, smoke, and chocolate give it more range than a simple category label suggests, while the aroma leans toward smoky, sweet, and fruity. Expect a medium full body and a finish that Sweet, slightly smoky.

The origin matters here. Zhengshan Xiaozhong (Lapsang Souchong) is associated with Wuyi Mountains in Fujian, so the page should be read as a profile of both tea style and place. UNESCO site with unique mineral-rich soil. Origin of rock oolongs and Lapsang Souchong. That context helps explain why two teas in the same broad family can taste noticeably different.

Processing is the other major clue: black tea is typically full oxidation, which converts fresh leaf aromatics into malt, honey, fruit, and cocoa notes. For Zhengshan Xiaozhong (Lapsang Souchong), the oxidation level is 95% when measured on a simple scale.

For brewing, start near 95C with about 5g per 100ml. The first infusion at roughly 20 seconds should show the tea's structure without over-extracting it; later steeps can move in 5-second increments. Because the expected range is about 6 infusions, this tea is better judged across a session than from one long steep.

When buying Zhengshan Xiaozhong (Lapsang Souchong), use price as a quality signal but not the only one. A common mid-range benchmark is around $20-$50 per 50g. Look for clean aroma, credible origin naming, and leaf appearance that matches the style before paying premium prices.

It is especially useful for morning energy and winter warming. With moderate caffeine and a medium full body, it can fit different roles depending on steep strength: lighter infusions emphasize fragrance, while slightly longer infusions bring out texture and finish.