219.Lapsang Souchong

A Legend Sealed in Smoke

Long before the first words were written and the first kingdoms were named, they would sit in a circle by the fire — those whom people listened to in silence. The flames crackled, illuminating faces carved by wind, smoke, and time. It was said they could see beyond the horizon, hear the whisper of the earth, and read signs invisible to others. They wore no crowns, yet people followed them. No books were written about them, yet their memory endured longer than paper ever could.

They were guardians of thresholds — between day and night, life and death, the world of humans and what lies beyond. Some knew the language of trees and spirits. Others could summon courage in the hearts of warriors. Some wandered alone across wild lands; others stood at the head of tribes. What united them all was the same light reflected in their eyes — a fire that warmed, warned, and reminded.

In the silence between stories, in the crackling of burning branches and the smoke rising toward the sky, wisdom matured — passed from mouth to mouth. It carried courage and the weight of responsibility. It carried solitude and vigilance. And there was also that invisible thread connecting them all — shamans, chieftains, wanderers, and those called witchers — people standing guard over what could not be touched, yet had always shaped the fate of the world. Something that had long tried to be named, yet no one had ever dared to do so. Something that would forever remain unnamed and unknowable.

Only the few who freeze while gazing into the fire — who see farther than anyone else — only they know, only they see, only they feel…

For them, the gods created a black tea scented with the smoke of a pine bonfire.

Lapsang Souchong

We know little about the true origins of Lapsang Souchong. It is so ancient that we are left to trust the legends of its creation. Even its age remains a matter of speculation, though many believe it dates back to the 16th century.

Do we know exactly where it came from? Not entirely. But among tea lovers, a certain legend persists.

One story tells of wartime, when soldiers passed through a village. Tea gatherers hid their harvest to protect it. When they returned the next day, the leaves had deteriorated. Determined to save them, they dried the tea over smoke from pine branches.

Another version also speaks of soldiers, but in this telling the tea was not hidden. Tea masters paused their work to host the weary troops. When they resumed, they discovered the leaves had become damp. In an effort to rescue them, they dried the tea over open pine fires.

Thus, the tea acquired its characteristic smoky flavor — a taste that, over time, became beloved. The process is still cultivated today, because it gives the tea a character unlike any other in the world. Its smoky, slightly resinous aroma comes from Chinese pine wood.

Does it matter which legend holds the truth? Not at all. What matters is that Lapsang Souchong exists — much to our delight.

A Bold Tea for the Brave

Lapsang Souchong is not an ordinary tea for ordinary people. Of course, you do not need to be a shaman or a chieftain to deserve it. It is enough to be curious about life and open to discovering new flavors.

This black tea is exceptional: it carries notes of whisky, tobacco, and campfire smoke. It may seem like a distinctly masculine affair — though we certainly do not exclude women from the experience. Quite the opposite. We invite everyone into this world of depth and intensity.

Let us gather by the fire.

Fire has always possessed a unifying power — bringing people together regardless of who they were or where they came from. By its light, decisions were made, disputes resolved, and stories began that would outlive generations. Faces appeared closer, hearts more trusting, and even silence between words gained meaning. Fire warmed not only hands, but souls, reminding us that human beings are not meant for solitude.

Where there is fire, there is always space for another person. Conversation flows naturally, laughter blends with reflection, and community forms effortlessly. All it takes is to sit for a moment, pour a cup of tea, gaze into the dancing flames, and allow the words to come.

Perhaps that is why we return to fire again and again — to be together, to listen to one another, and to remember that the simplest moments, shared with others, hold the greatest value.

And those shared over tea with someone beside us — are the most beautiful of all.