Bois Mystique Tarry Lapsang Souchong

Bois Mystique Tarry Lapsang Souchong – Black Gourmet Tea

Origin: China

Infusion Temperature: 95° Celsius

Infusion Time: 2-3 minutes

Serving Size: 2-3 grams/250 ml

Tarry Lapsang Souchong is a deeply smoked Chinese black tea renowned for its unmistakable intensity and distinctive character. Cultivated in the misty mountains of the Wuyi Mountains region in Fujian Province, particularly in the revered Tong Mu village, this tea is crafted from larger, mature tea leaves that undergo full oxidation and an extended pinewood or cedarwood smoking process. The result is a powerful infusion with bold woody, resinous, smoky aromas, and notes reminiscent of cured meats, leather, and dried fruit.

Unlike most traditional Chinese teas, Lapsang Souchong owes its international fame not to delicate floral undertones but to its robust, campfire-like character—especially in the “Tarry” version, which undergoes a more intense smoke-curing process. This produces a darker, more assertive cup, favored by true connoisseurs and culinary innovators.

This is not your everyday black tea. The Tarry variety is the bolder, smokier sibling of the standard Lapsang Souchong designed for those who seek a strong sensory experience. While traditional grades like First Grade Lapsang offer a delicate balance between tea and smoke, Tarry Lapsang embraces the smoke unapologetically, delivering a full-bodied amber red infusion color that lingers on the palate with earthy, peaty intensity.

Its leaves are typically rolled whole and deeply imbued with the scent of the pinewood fires that slowly dry them. While it has low theine content compared to other black teas, its dramatic flavor more than compensates.

Lapsang Souchong’s origin is as captivating as its flavor. According to Qing dynasty folklore, an army once occupied a tea factory, halting production. To recover lost time, the returning workers dried the tea leaves over open pinewood fires accidentally creating the first smoked tea. The experiment was so well-received that it quickly gained popularity, particularly in Britain, where it became a favorite among early tea drinkers.

Tarry Lapsang Souchong can be enjoyed pure or used to enhance recipes and pairings. The result is a rich, coppery red brew with a dry, bold finish and minimal astringency. Due to its smoky complexity, Tarry Lapsang Souchong is beloved by chefs and mixologists alike. It pairs beautifully with rich desserts such as dark chocolate, toffee, caramel; smoked and cured meats (bacon, ham, sausages); grilled or fatty fish (especially salmon); spicy dishes or hearty breakfasts; aged cheeses and bold charcuterie; savory sauces, marinades, and risottos.

Use it as a tea infusion in broths or rice, a dry rub component, or even a flavoring in vegan carbonara to replicate the taste of smoked pancetta. Some chefs steep it into cocktail bases for a smoky, elevated twist.

We have sourced this tea directly from small, traditional producers in Fujian. Our Tarry Lapsang Souchong reflects over 10 years of dedication to selecting rare, artisan-crafted teas from around the world. This is not a mass-market product—it’s a hand-selected, premium-grade infusion that brings boldness, heritage, and culinary versatility to your tea collection.