Lapsang Souchong Loose Leaf Tea - Butterfly Smoked Black Tea

Our Lapsang Souchong loose leaf tea Butterfly is a bold, pine-smoked Chinese black tea with deep amber liquor, rich body and an unmistakably aromatic finish. Smooth beneath the smoke, it reveals layers of resinous pine, dried fruit and savoury warmth — a distinctive loose leaf tea for those who enjoy powerful flavour, slow sipping and something truly memorable in the cup.

Lapsang Souchong Loose Leaf Tea with Pine-Smoked Depth

Lapsang Souchong Butterfly is one of the most characterful black teas in the world. Made from mature Fujian tea leaves and smoked over pinewood, it delivers an immediately recognisable aroma of woodsmoke and resin, followed by a full, rounded black tea body.

This is not a subtle tea, and that is precisely its appeal. It is bold, warming and deeply atmospheric, yet well-made enough to remain smooth and satisfying rather than harsh.

Rich Smoke, Pine Resin and Savoury Complexity

In the cup, this Lapsang Souchong loose leaf tea pours a dark amber liquor with an aroma that fills the room before the first sip. The smoke is present from the outset, carrying notes of pine resin, warm wood and savoury depth.

Behind that comes the tea itself: smooth, well-oxidised and full-bodied, with hints of dried fruit and a faint paprika-like warmth that gives the finish extra complexity.

A Distinctive Smoked Black Tea from Fujian

Lapsang Souchong is prized for the way smoke becomes part of the leaf rather than simply sitting on the surface. The large, mature leaves are well suited to absorbing that character, producing a tea with depth, persistence and a finish that lingers long after the cup is empty.

For those who enjoy strongly flavoured black teas, this is a classic worth discovering — and one that stands apart from almost every other style in the tea world.

At a Glance

• Tea type: Smoked loose leaf black tea
• Origin: Fujian, China
• Liquor: Deep dark amber
• Flavour: Pine smoke, resinous warmth, dried fruit and savoury depth
• Character: Bold, smooth, distinctive and full-bodied
• Best enjoyed: Black, or with a small splash of milk if preferred

A Tea for Slow Afternoons and Cold Evenings

Lapsang Souchong Butterfly is especially rewarding when you want a tea with real presence. It suits quiet afternoons, autumn and winter evenings, or moments when a more contemplative cup feels right.

It also pairs unusually well with foods that can meet its intensity, including mature cheese, dark chocolate and savoury dishes with deep, roasted flavours.

How to Brew Lapsang Souchong Butterfly

Use water at around 95°C and add one heaped teaspoon per cup. Steep for 3 to 4 minutes.

A shorter brew keeps the cup smoother and more balanced. A longer infusion deepens the smoky character considerably, so taste as you go and adjust to preference.

Enjoy it black for the clearest expression of pine smoke and resinous depth. A small dash of milk can be added for a softer, rounder cup.

This tea also works well as a cold brew. Steep generously in cold water for 6 to 8 hours in the fridge, then strain for a smooth, smoky iced tea.

Ingredients

Black tea, pine smoke.

About High Teas London

High Teas London has been sourcing distinctive loose leaf teas and infusions since 2008. With over 350 different teas in our collection, we are proud to offer teas with genuine personality and provenance, including bold classics such as Lapsang Souchong Butterfly.