Lapsang Souchong

Lapsang Souchong has a strong smoky flavour, which has tantalised tea tasters for generations.

Apparently the smoky character originated from when tar from Chinese fishing nets melted into a cargo of tea that was subsequently shipped to Britain. People were so impressed with its distinctive taste that it became much sought after.

However, it is more likely to have always been smoked, and in China this is still done in the traditional way, in pans over open fires.