Compared to Pu'er tea, black tea has a less variable flavor. For novice tea drinkers facing different types and grades of black tea, how should one choose? The rule of 'you get what you pay for' doesn't always seem to apply. For example, when drinking Lapsang Souchong, one might find the expensive ones less sweet than the cheaper ones. With Keemun, which is quite pricey, it might not seem as fragrant as legends say.

How exactly can one tell them apart? Today we will discuss three prominent black teas: Lapsang Souchong, Dianhong, and Keemun.

Lapsang Souchong "Sweet and Fragrant"

Lapsang Souchong is the sweetest, fragrant, and the liquor is quite full-bodied.

Lapsang Souchong is also a good choice for beginners. In terms of price, cheaper ones have a stronger, more complex taste; expensive ones are more mellow and smooth. Beginners might not immediately perceive this difference and, as mentioned before, might prefer the most direct sweetness of cheaper Lapsang Souchong.

Not having drunk Lapsang Souchong basically means one is not an initiated tea drinker. This group includes many who want to start or have just started, and they might not easily accept the strong smoky note of traditional Lapsang Souchong. Consequently, upgraded versions that abandon the smoking process have appeared. Many people detect a longan flavor in Lapsang Souchong.

However, if you detect a sweet potato aroma, please note: a major difference between true Lapsang Souchong and fake ones is the absence of a sweet potato scent.

Dianhong "Rich and Mellow"

Dianhong is not as sweet as Lapsang Souchong, but it is rich, mellow, and has a certain robustness. Some friends who started with Dianhong and grew fond of its intensity become unwilling to try other black teas. Their fondness for Dianhong differs from those who transitioned from Lapsang Souchong.

The overall character of Dianhong is a stronger sense of mellowness, a distinct characteristic of large-leaf tea varieties. On the other hand, a slight tartness in the taste is normal. High-quality Dianhong exudes a signature honeyed aroma, accompanied by a sweet floral and fruity fragrance. The liquor is a tangerine-red color, transparent, and extremely rich and enticing.

A tea connoisseur once said, "Sipping Dianhong is like appreciating a woman from Yunnan—passionate, unrestrained, with a lasting charm, sweet and mellow, cheerful and generous. Once tasted, it is unforgettable, because one never wants to forget!"

Keemun "Upright Taste"

Keemun also has prominent characteristics: a pleasant fragrance, a substantial mouthfeel, and an upright tea taste. However, its appeal doesn't come as quickly as with Lapsang Souchong or Dianhong. At first, it might seem rather plain. Therefore, beginners need not approach it too early; otherwise, they might not appreciate its qualities and it could have the opposite effect.

Speaking of Keemun, one must mention the "Keemun Aroma".

The Keemun aroma is a subtle fragrance, persistent and long-lasting. Unlike teas whose scent can be detected from afar, the Keemun aroma must be smelled by lifting the cup. But even when lifting the cup, many other black teas lack this particular scent, and even those that have something similar don't smell quite as pleasant.

Regarding the "substantial mouthfeel," by comparison, Dianhong is known for its "intensity," but when drunk alongside Keemun, it might seem bland. Furthermore, one might later find it difficult to rediscover that intense Dianhong taste.

This "upright tea taste" is somewhat hard to explain. Firstly, within Keemun's substantial mouthfeel, there are no off-flavors. Secondly, the tea taste is relatively focused and not diffuse. In fact, the most suitable way to drink Keemun Black Tea is straight, without adding sugar or milk. If you insist on adding milk, it presents a unique light pink color, which is also distinctive.