For centuries, the distinctive smoky aroma and sweet taste of Wuyi Zhengshan Xiaozhong (Lapsang Souchong) have not only defined a category of tea but also woven a rich tapestry of stories in the West.
As the ancestor of all black teas, its journey to Europe is filled with tales of shipwrecks, poets, and queens. Let's explore the famous Western figures and historical anecdotes linked to this extraordinary tea from Fujian.
While historical records sometimes broadly referred to Chinese black tea as "Bohea" (from the Wuyi mountains), Lapsang Souchong was the premier and most representative variety that captured the Western imagination.
1. The Swedish Ship Götheborg: A Sunken Treasure
The Swedish East India Company's ship, Götheborg, serves as tangible proof of Lapsang Souchong's immense value in 18th-century European trade.
The Story: On its return from Guangzhou in 1745, the Götheborg tragically sank just off the coast of its home port. Astonishingly, the salvaged cargo—which included tea and porcelain—was sold for a profit that covered the entire cost of the voyage and still generated a surplus.
The Lapsang Souchong Connection: The ship's manifest and recovered artifacts confirmed the presence of "Bohea Tea." Lapsang Souchong, being the highest grade of Bohea, was a significant part of this treasure. This event immortalizes Lapsang Souchong not just as a commodity, but as a treasure worth its weight in gold, highlighting its supreme status among European aristocracy.
2. The Literary Endorsement: Lord Byron's Poetic Tribute
The famed Romantic poet Lord Byron left us the most direct and poetic admiration for Bohea tea, which undoubtedly included Lapsang Souchong.
The Story: In his epic poem Don Juan, Byron penned these famous lines:
"I feel my heart become so sympathetic, / That I must have recourse to black Bohea: / 'Tis pity wine should be so deleterious, / For tea and coffee leave us much more serious."
The Lapsang Souchong Connection: By specifically naming "Bohea," Byron elevates this tea as a beverage of introspection and sensibility—a sophisticated alternative to wine. His verse transformed Lapsang Souchong from a mere drink into a cultural icon of the Romantic era, a catalyst for creative and profound thought.
3. A Brewer's Legacy: John Horniman's Innovation
While not a consumer in the traditional sense, English tea merchant John Horniman played a crucial role in popularizing black tea like Lapsang Souchong.
The Story: In 1826, Horniman became the first to sell tea in pre-packaged, sealed packets. This revolutionary move guaranteed purity and consistent weight, building trust with consumers.
The Lapsang Souchong Connection: This innovation made quality, authentic tea like Lapsang Souchong more accessible and reliable for the everyday British household. It helped combat adulteration and standardized the experience of enjoying pure Chinese black tea, paving the way for its mass appeal.
4. The Royal Seal of Approval: Queen Catherine of Braganza
The woman who arguably started Britain's tea craze was Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza.
The Story: Upon her marriage to King Charles II in 1662, Catherine brought her love for tea and a chest of it as part of her dowry. She introduced the ritual of afternoon tea to the English court, making it a fashionable and coveted practice among the aristocracy.
The Lapsang Souchong Connection: In the 17th century, the black tea arriving from China was predominantly from the Wuyi region. Therefore, the tea Queen Catherine drank and promoted was almost certainly what we now know as Zhengshan Xiaozhong. She was its first and most influential royal ambassador, setting the stage for its centuries-long dominance.
5. The Connoisseur's Acclaim: Master Norton's Supreme Praise
Among the vast community of tea connoisseurs, a revered British master tea blender known as "Master Norton" was profoundly captivated upon his first tasting of Lapsang Souchong, completely won over by its extraordinary character. He said:
"Lapsang Souchong is the 'Drink of Health,' nourishing body and mind; it is the 'Elixir of the Soul,' enlightening the spirit; it is the 'Cup of Joy,' delighting the senses. It truly deserves the title 'Queen of Teas.'"
This deeply respectful appraisal perfectly captures the status of Lapsang Souchong in the hearts of Western connoisseurs. It is far more than a mere beverage; it is a treasure capable of delivering a holistic experience—from physical well-being, to spiritual solace, to pure pleasure, ultimately ascending to sublime nobility. This acclaim from an industry expert adds yet another vivid footnote to the legend of Lapsang Souchong.
Conclusion: Your Invitation to History
The stories of Lapsang Souchong are a testament to its timeless appeal. From a queen's dowry to a poet's muse, this tea has shaped culture and captivated palates for hundreds of years.
Now, you can become a part of this continuing story. We invite you to explore our premium selection of authentic Lapsang Souchong. Experience the very same tea that inspired poets, built fortunes, and fueled a literary revolution.
Discover the legend. Taste the history. [ Shop Our Lapsang Souchong Collection Here]