Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong - Sweet Potato aroma

Xiao Zhong might be one of the earliest black teas known in the west. Like most teas, the name was completely mispronounced and became Lapsang Souchong. The tea originated in Wu Yi mountain area of Fujian where the yancha/rock teas I love so much also come from. Traditionally smoked over pine wood to impart a smoky aroma and taste that I have always found overpowering and distasteful in commodity versions. It’s rare that I can find an even lightly smoked version that I can drink. But again, as Lu Yu says, the quality of the tea is in the mouth, and I’m talking about my mouth here. This unsmoked Xiao Zhong, however, I find delicious. Mr. Li has roasted it in a way that foregrounds the yammy, sweet potato aroma of the cultivar. Make sure to savor that aroma as you raise your cup to your lips! Provenance: Origin: Huanghuacong Village (west of Wuyi Nature Reserve), Fujian Province, China Grower/Teamaster: Li Xing Hong Elevation: 500m (1650ft) Harvest Date: Late April Pluck 2023 C