Originating from the Tongmu Guan region of Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China, this tea is a fully fermented variety. Its unique flavour and production process set it apart from other black teas.
Smoked Flavour (Core Feature)
Traditional Zhengshan Xiaozhong is smoked using pine wood, resulting in dry tea leaves with a rich pine smoke aroma. The tea broth exhibits a unique flavour profile where the sweetness and smoothness of dried longan intertwine with smoky notes. Modern versions also exist using smoke-free processing methods, which emphasise floral and fruity aromas.
Appearance and Colour
Dry tea: Tightly rolled, robust strands with a lustrous black colour and golden tips.
Tea liquor: Bright red, deep amber in fully fermented versions.
Leaf base: Copper-brown, soft and lively.
Taste
Rich and sweet on the palate with layered complexity. High-quality tea reveals notes of dried longan soup, honey, and pine wood, with a lingering aftertaste and distinct throat feel.
Grade and Type
Smoked Zhengshan Xiaozhong: Traditional craftsmanship, with a distinct pine smoke aroma, divided into special grade, first grade, etc.
Smokeless Xiaozhong: Improved craftsmanship, highlighting floral and fruity aromas.
Jin Jun Mei: A high-end black tea innovated based on Zhengshan Xiaozhong, made entirely from buds, without smoke, and with a prominent honey aroma.