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The tea originates from Fujian province. The Fukienese word ˜souchongâ" means subvariety - that is a subvariety of other black teas from the Wuyi mountains. When Lapsang Souchong was first exported to western European countries and became famous on the international markets it was no doubt due to the distinct aroma and flavour. The best Lapsang is produced in the nature preserve located in the Wuyi mountains where thick pine forests and heavy mist provide the ideal environment for growing top quality tea. Legend claims that the smoking process was discovered by accident. During the Qing dynasty, an army unit passing through Xingcun (Star Village) camped in a tea factory filled with fresh leaves awaiting processing. When the soldiers left and the workers could get back into the premises, they realized in order to reach the market in time they had to speed up the drying process. They lit open fires of pine wood to accelerate the drying process. Not only did the tea reach the market in time, but the smoked pine flavor created a sensation! Depending upon ones palate the taste can be light and intriguing or it can be heavy and overpowering. Lapsang Souchong is best described as an acquired taste.