Concubine’s Smile

Concubine’s Smile (妃子笑) is an exceptionally rare Lapsang Souchong from the Wuyi Mountains, produced in very limited quantity. A seldom-seen variation of this historic style, it was a privilege to secure and present this tea in the current season.

Its name traces back to a Tang dynasty legend. Emperor Xuanzong is said to have ordered fresh lychees rushed more than 2,000 kilometres so they might reach his beloved consort, Yang Guifei, before spoiling. Her smile upon receiving them was considered worth the immense effort, though the extravagance later came to symbolise the excess that hastened the dynasty’s decline. This tea takes its name from that fleeting moment, when sweetness and devotion briefly outweighed consequence.

In the cup, an unmistakable lychee notes leads—rich, vivid, and immediate—followed by layers of longan, peach, and soft kiwi. The impression is closer to fresh lychee juice than dried fruit, with sweetness defining the experience throughout. A full yet clean body carries the finish, and a slightly lower brewing temperature of around 85°C is recommended to preserve its juiciness while keeping tannins in quiet balance.

VARIETAL: Lapsang Souchong

ORIGIN: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian

TASTING NOTES: Lychee, Peach, Golden Kiwi, Longan