Which Chinese tea is known for its smoky flavor and traditionally dried over pine wood fires?

Lapsang Souchong is the Chinese tea known for its smoky flavor and traditional drying over pine wood fires.

This black tea originated in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province. Its Chinese name, Zhengshan Xiaozhong, means “Proper Mountain Small Varietal.” Traditional producers dry or smoke the leaves in buildings heated by pinewood, allowing smoke compounds to permeate the tea.

The tea’s aroma can suggest pine resin, bacon, smoked paprika, or peated whisky. Smoking may occur during different stages of production, and the intensity depends on the leaves’ distance from the fire and the smoking time. Modern versions may also use artificial smoke flavoring or may be sold unsmoked.

A common mix-up is treating Lapsang Souchong as a separate plant species or as a flavored herbal infusion. It is made from Camellia sinensis, the same tea plant used for green, oolong, and other black teas. The Russian Caravan blend is another related point of interest: it often includes Lapsang Souchong for a smoky character.