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Black tea · Pine-smoked

Lapsang Souchong

正山小种, Zhengshan Xiaozhong

8.1/10 editor's score

A black tea from the Wuyi Mountains, dried over pinewood fires for a famous smoky flavour. Often said to be one of the first black teas.

SmokedBoldWuyi
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Lapsang Souchong, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafLapsang Souchong
250 ml water95 to 100°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorDeep red-brown
Served inYixing clay teapot

At a glance

A black tea from the Wuyi Mountains, dried over pinewood fires for a famous smoky flavour.

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate
MilkWorks with or without milk.
Beginner fit6.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestLate April to JuneMain harvest.
Pairs withSmoked salmon, Cheese, Roast meatsLess good with delicate desserts
Grown atMountains, about 800 to 1,500 mTongmu, Wuyi, Fujian
Served inYixing clay teapotSmall clay pot, tiny cups

About Lapsang Souchong

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe a strong pine smoke and resin aroma, with a sweet, fruity cup underneath. Less smoky versions from Tongmu stress dried longan sweetness 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Wuyi MountainsFujianCHINA
Region
Tongmu, Wuyi Mountains, Fujian 1
Smoke
Pinewood fires 1
Name
Zhengshan Xiaozhong in Chinese 1
Heritage
Mount Wuyi, UNESCO site 2

More from Tongmu, Wuyi and China.

History and culture

Lapsang Souchong comes from the Tongmu area of the Wuyi Mountains, and is often described as one of the first black teas. Drying the leaf over pine fires may have begun as a way to speed up drying 1.

Editor's score

8.1/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 8.0Origin & heritage: 9.5Availability: 8.5Value: 8.0Beginner-friendliness: 6.0Versatility: 7.5Flavour 8.0Heritage 9.5Availability 8.5Value 8.0Beginners 6.0Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Lapsang Souchong~30 to 50 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Picked in late spring and early summer. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Local small-leaf Wuyi tea bushes 1.

How it is made
01Plucking

Larger leaves.

02Withering

Over pine fires.

03Rolling

Twisting.

04Oxidation

Full.

05Pan-firing

Briefly.

06Smoking

Over pine fires.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafLarge, dark, twisted leaf.
LiquorDeep red-brown.
After steeping
Wet leafDark brown, smelling of smoke.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Smoked salmon
  • Cheese
  • Roast meats

Best avoided

  • Delicate desserts

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Export Lapsang is often heavily smoked. Tongmu "Zhengshan" teas can be lightly smoked or unsmoked 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Artificial smoke flavour is a poor sign.
  2. Very cheap Lapsang is often from outside Wuyi.
FAQ
Is it artificially flavoured?

Traditional Lapsang is smoked over real pine fires.

Is it strong?

In smoke, yes. In caffeine, like other black teas.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from ChinaTongmu, WuyiSmokedBoldWuyi

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Lapsang souchong". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapsang_souchong
  2. UNESCO, "Mount Wuyi". whc.unesco.org/en/list/911/
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.