Tea is an integral part of Chinese culture, with a rich variety of flavors and aromas that offer unique experiences. Two notable teas from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province are Jin Jun Mei and Lapsang Souchong. Both are black teas, yet they exhibit distinct flavors, histories, and brewing techniques. In this guide, we'll explore the origins, characteristics, and brewing methods of these two famous teas, providing a deeper appreciation for their unique qualities.

The Origin of Wuyi Mountain Teas

Before diving into the specifics of Jin Jun Mei Tea and Lapsang Souchong, it's essential to understand their origin. Both teas come from the Wuyi Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its mineral-rich soil and misty environment, ideal for growing high-quality tea. The region's specific climate and elevation contribute to the flavor profiles that make Wuyi teas some of the most sought-after in the world.

Jin Jun Mei Tea: An Elegant Black Tea

The History of Jin Jun Mei

Jin Jun Mei is a relatively recent addition to the world of Chinese tea, created in the early 2000s. Despite its modern origins, it has quickly become one of the most premium black teas available. The tea was developed as a high-end version of another Wuyi black tea, Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (a type of Lapsang Souchong), and it is renowned for its luxurious character.

Jin Jun Mei is meticulously crafted using only the young buds of the tea plant, harvested during the early spring. Each bud is handpicked, ensuring that only the finest quality leaves are selected. This careful process results in a tea that is elegant, smooth, and highly prized by tea connoisseurs around the world.

Flavor Profile and Characteristics

Jin Jun Mei's flavor is subtle yet complex. The tea has a sweet, honey-like aroma, with floral and fruity undertones. Upon tasting, you’ll experience a rich, smooth body with notes of caramel, malt, and a hint of chocolate. There’s also a lingering sweetness that makes Jin Jun Mei particularly satisfying.

Its appearance is equally striking, with golden and black tea buds that reflect its high quality. The tea liquor itself is a clear amber, offering a visual treat along with its delicate taste.

How to Brew Jin Jun Mei Tea

Brewing Jin Jun Mei requires precision to fully appreciate its nuanced flavors:

1. Water temperature: Use water at 85–90°C (185–195°F) to avoid scalding the delicate tea leaves.
2. Tea-to-water ratio: Use about 4–5 grams of tea for every 200 ml of water.
3. Brewing time: Steep the tea for 2–3 minutes for the first infusion. You can re-steep the tea leaves up to five times, gradually increasing the brewing time with each infusion.

Due to its refined nature, Jin Jun Mei is best enjoyed without milk or sugar, allowing the delicate flavors to shine through.

Lapsang Souchong Tea: The Smoked Black Tea

The History of Lapsang Souchong

Lapsang Souchong, also known as Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, is one of the oldest black teas in the world, with a history dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It is also one of the most distinctive, thanks to its unique production method. Traditionally, Lapsang Souchong is smoked over pinewood fires, which imparts a deep, smoky flavor to the tea.

This smoking process was originally developed out of necessity. During times of war, when armies needed to pass through tea-producing regions, farmers sped up the drying process by using pinewood fires to preserve their tea. Over time, this method became a hallmark of Lapsang Souchong, giving it its signature bold and smoky flavor.

Flavor Profile and Characteristics

Lapsang Souchong is perhaps the most recognizable black tea due to its smoky aroma. The tea has a bold, robust flavor, with pronounced notes of wood smoke, pine resin, and earthy undertones. Despite the intensity of its initial aroma, the taste is surprisingly smooth, with a slightly sweet finish.

Some modern versions of Lapsang Souchong are less smoky, offering a milder flavor profile for those who find traditional varieties too intense. Regardless of the level of smokiness, the tea delivers a rich, full-bodied drinking experience that stands out from other black teas.

How to Brew Lapsang Souchong Tea

Brewing Lapsang Souchong is a simple yet rewarding process:

1. Water temperature: Boil water to 95–100°C (203–212°F).
2. Tea-to-water ratio: Use about 3–4 grams of tea per 200 ml of water.
3. Brewing time: Steep the tea for 2–4 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer the flavor. Like Jin Jun Mei, Lapsang Souchong can also be re-steeped multiple times, each infusion developing different layers of flavor.

For those who enjoy experimenting, Lapsang Souchong can also be used in culinary applications, such as adding a smoky element to cocktails or infusing its distinct flavor into marinades and sauces.

Comparing Jin Jun Mei and Lapsang Souchong

Although both teas come from the same region, Jin Jun Mei and Lapsang Souchong offer vastly different drinking experiences. Jin Jun Mei is delicate, sweet, and floral, making it a favorite among those who prefer lighter, more refined teas. On the other hand, Lapsang Souchong is bold, smoky, and robust, catering to those who enjoy a strong, memorable flavor.

Key Differences:

• Processing: Jin Jun Mei is made from young buds and undergoes a non-smoking process, while Lapsang Souchong is dried over pinewood fires.
• Flavor: Jin Jun Mei is sweet, floral, and smooth, while Lapsang Souchong is smoky, earthy, and bold.
• Aroma: Jin Jun Mei has a honey-like, floral aroma, whereas Lapsang Souchong is dominated by pinewood smoke.

Conclusion

Both Jin Jun Mei and Lapsang Souchong are treasures of the Wuyi Mountains, offering unique glimpses into the art of Chinese tea production. Whether you prefer the light, floral notes of Jin Jun Mei or the bold, smoky flavor of Lapsang Souchong, these teas provide a captivating experience for any tea lover. By understanding their history, flavor profiles, and brewing techniques, you can enhance your appreciation for these two remarkable teas.