Lapsang Souchong is a type of black tea produced in China. The tea leaves are smoked with pine needles or pine wood, resulting in a very intense fragrance. Due to the smoking process, the leaves appear black, but the tea liquor is a deep red. Lapsang Souchong is one of the oldest varieties of black tea, and the water temperature used for brewing it is a critical point. If the water temperature is not properly controlled, the taste of the tea can vary significantly.

Mastering the water temperature for brewing Lapsang Souchong is very important. The appropriate water temperature facilitates the extraction of the tea's aroma, flavor, and rich inner substances. Generally, we use water that has been boiled and then naturally cooled to around 90°C. The reason for using a higher temperature compared to traditional green tea lies in the unique selection of raw materials and production process of Lapsang Souchong black tea.

The tea liquor from each infusion must be poured out completely; otherwise, the remaining liquid will affect the next infusion. Brewing Lapsang Souchong typically employs the "middle投法" (middle pouring method). First, the tea leaves are gently warmed and rinsed. To protect the delicate surface of the tea buds and prevent the leaves from tumbling violently in the cup, water should be poured slowly along the inner wall of the glass cup, ensuring the tea liquor remains clear and bright.

The first infusion, known as "warming the tea," should be poured out quickly. The steeping time for this infusion should not exceed 10 seconds, with under 5 seconds being ideal, to prevent any adverse effects on the aroma of Lapsang Souchong. Different varieties of Lapsang Souchong require different steeping times. Generally, Lapsang Souchong is not suitable for long steeping. Typically, the steeping time for the first four infusions should not exceed 30 seconds, while subsequent infusions can be slightly longer but should ideally not exceed 60 seconds. Regardless of the brewing method used, it is important to pour water from a height and serve tea from a low position. Pouring water from a height and serving tea from a low position allows the Lapsang Souchong leaves to fully infuse and releases their fragrance and flavor.

Only by mastering the correct water temperature can one brew good tea. If the water temperature is not controlled well, even the finest tea leaves will not produce a superior brew. This is an important point to understand.