Lapsang Souchong is recognized as the origin of all black teas in the world, while Jin Jun Mei is considered the pinnacle variety within the Lapsang Souchong category.
So, what defines high-quality Lapsang Souchong, and what characterizes superior Jin Jun Mei?
Let’s see what the experts have to say:
— The Finest Lapsang Souchong Black Tea:
Ye Xingwei: Through its unique processing method, the finest Lapsang Souchong develops thick, sturdy strips with a glossy black and oily appearance. It offers a rich aroma and mellow taste, with a lasting sweet aftertaste. The liquor is clear and bright, displaying a broad, golden ring. The brewed leaves are soft, plump, and coppery in color, with a wrinkled texture. Its fragrance and flavor carry distinct notes of longan-dried fruit or honeyed dates — unmistakable marks of an exceptional tea.
Ye Xingwei is a seasoned expert in the Chinese tea industry and one of the formulators of the production standard for Lapsang Souchong. He was awarded the title of "Senior Tea Taster" in 2002 and became Northern Fujian’s first "National Senior Evaluator for Vocational Skill Appraisal" in 2003. The description above reflects his perspective on what constitutes the highest grade of traditional Lapsang Souchong.
— The Finest Jin Jun Mei Black Tea:
Jin Jun Mei made from bud-only leaves sourced from Tongmu Guan — the authentic growing region of Lapsang Souchong — is characterized by its small, slender, and tightly curled shape, with a color mix of gold, yellow, and black.
Due to the high altitude and cooler climate of Tongmu Guan, the tea buds here are naturally smaller and firmer than those from lower-elevation, non-origin areas.
If a Jin Jun Mei appears overly yellow and excessively fuzzy, it is likely produced from non-origin tea plants. In warmer, lower-altitude areas, tea buds tend to develop more fuzz and take on a yellower hue.
The processing technique is also evident in the dry leaves. Skillful craftsmanship results in buds that are dark, glossy, and lustrous, while poorly processed ones appear dull and lifeless.
The finest Jin Jun Mei exudes a subtle orchid fragrance and rich honeyed aroma. Its taste is naturally sweet, with a lingering aftertaste that evokes its high-mountain origins. Even after ten infusions, its captivating aroma remains.
Jiang Yuanxun, Chairman of the Fujian Tea Association, is the 24th-generation inheritor of Lapsang Souchong black tea. A senior tea taster and master tea processing engineer, he is also one of the original creators of Jin Jun Mei black tea.