How do you brew Lapsang Souchong?

Brew Lapsang Souchong at 205°F (96°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 3-4 minutes. Use Porcelain teapot (smoke can season clay pots permanently) with 2.5g per 200ml (Western) or 5g per 100ml (gongfu). Expect 3-5 infusions.

Where is Lapsang Souchong from?

Lapsang Souchong is produced in Tongmu Village, Wuyi Mountains, Fujian. Late spring to early summer. Traditional pine-smoking process in wooden smoking sheds.

How much does Lapsang Souchong cost?

Entry-level Lapsang Souchong costs $10-20 / 100g (standard smoked). Premium grades run $30-70 / 100g (Tongmu origin, traditional pine smoke).

How do you brew Lapsang Souchong?

Brew Lapsang Souchong at 205°F (96°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 3-4 minutes. Use Porcelain teapot (smoke can season clay pots permanently) with 2.5g per 200ml (Western) or 5g per 100ml (gongfu). Expect 3-5 infusions.

Where is Lapsang Souchong from?

Lapsang Souchong is produced in Tongmu Village, Wuyi Mountains, Fujian. Late spring to early summer. Traditional pine-smoking process in wooden smoking sheds.

How much does Lapsang Souchong cost?

Entry-level Lapsang Souchong costs $10-20 / 100g (standard smoked). Premium grades run $30-70 / 100g (Tongmu origin, traditional pine smoke).

Black Tea ← All famous teas

Lapsang Souchong 正山小种

Smoky, pine, bold, longan

Tongmu Village, Wuyi Mountains, FujianCaffeine: MediumBeginner: ★★☆☆☆

Water Temp

205°F (96°C)

Infusions

3-5

Harvest

Late spring to early summer. Traditional pine-smoking process in wooden smoking sheds.

Entry Price

$10-20 / 100g (standard smoked)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaCampfire smoke, pine wood, dried longan, cedar

TasteAssertive smoke upfront, pine resin, sweet dried longan underneath, surprisingly smooth finish

ColorDeep red-brown, warm

BodyFull, bold, warming

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

205°F (96°C)

Vessel

Porcelain teapot (smoke can season clay pots permanently)

Gongfu Time

30-45 seconds

Western Time

3-4 minutes

Ratio

2.5g per 200ml (Western) or 5g per 100ml (gongfu)

Infusions

3-5

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Lapsang Souchong Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$10-20 / 100g (standard smoked)

Premium / Collector

$30-70 / 100g (Tongmu origin, traditional pine smoke)

Quality Check

Large, coarse leaves. Traditional version uses pine wood smoking. Genuine Tongmu Lapsang has balanced smoke, not acrid or chemical.

Common Scams

Many Lapsang Souchong teas are artificially smoke-flavored, not traditionally pine-smoked. The real thing comes only from the Tongmu protected area. Over-smoked versions can be harsh and acrid.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Lapsang SouchongZheng Shan Xiao Zhongsmoked black teaTongmu black teaWuyi black tea

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

The original black tea. Invented accidentally in the 17th century when Tongmu villagers had to quickly dry tea leaves over pine fires. The resulting smoky tea became wildly popular in Europe. Lapsang is the single malt whiskey of the tea world, polarizing but unforgettable.

Ideal For

Whiskey and mezcal drinkers. Camping trips. Cold winter mornings. Also brilliant as a cooking ingredient. Definitely not for everyone, and that's the point.