no. 116, Rou Gui

A rare and exquisite Rou Gui, yan cha or 'rock wu long', of great finesse. This hand-made 'cliff tea' is a rising star in the pantheon of Wu Yi wu long. Rou Gui, which translates to 'cinnamon', is lively and full with strong, plump leaves and a clear, resonant finish. The fragrant brew enjoys complex expressions of dried fruit and spice, a traditional minerality indicative of its terroir, with supple, creamy notes lingering long on the lips and palette after the last sip. 

This exceptional Rou Gui is sourced from a small family garden in the Wu Yi mountains of Fujian. The tea leaves were handpicked in the Qing Shi Yan Garden within the Wu Yi National Park. The medium-roasted tea is sorted and oxidized, then charcoal fired three times over the course of four months. This tea is purchased in small quantities and is a limited edition selection.

The term 'Rock Tea', or Yan Cha (yan 'rock' cha 'tea') refers to wu long teas from the Wu Yi Mountains. The rocky terroir of this legendary mountainous region imparts these teas with a distinct, signature minerality and complexity. 

Tasting notes:  Cinnamon ~ Mineral ~ Fruit ~ Cream

 Harvest: Qing Shi Yan Garden, Zhengyan, Wu Yi National Park, Wu Yi Shan, Fujian, China - May 2022

Cultivar: Rou Gui, Free of Pesticide and Fertilizer

Elevation 600-800m.