How to Brew Wuyi Rock Tea
1. Wuyi Rock Tea: The “Soul of Chinese Oolong”
Wuyi Rock Tea (or Wuyi Oolong Tea) is a semi-oxidized Wulong tea from Fujian’s volcanic cliffs. Its signature “rock rhyme” (mineral notes with floral sweetness) comes from unique terroir and craft. For Westerners, its complexity rivals specialty coffee or aged whisky—ideal for both hot sessions and iced tea.
2. Essential Brewing Tools
- Porcelain Gaiwan: Beginner-friendly for precise timing.
- Yixing Clay Teapot: Best for aged teas (e.g., 10-year-old Shui Xian) to enhance mellowness.
- Water: Use spring water (TDS 50-150ppm) like Evian; avoid distilled or hard water.
3. Brewing Methods by Tea Type
3.1 Da Hong Pao: The “King of Rock Tea”
- Processing: Heavy roasting, twisted leaves with caramel & woody notes.
- Parameters:
- Water Temp: 100°C (rolling boil).
- Leaf Ratio: 1:15 (e.g., 8g tea for 120ml gaiwan).
- Steeping: 10s for 1st infusion, +5s each round (up to 10 brews).
- Pro Tip: Pour water from height for first 3 infusions to unlock aroma.
3.2 Rou Gui: Spicy Cinnamon Delight
- Processing: Medium roast, cinnamon-like spice & stone fruit undertones.
- Parameters:
- Water Temp: 95°C (protect tender leaves).
- Leaf Ratio: 1:20 (e.g., 5g tea in 100ml clay pot).
- Steeping: 8s for 1st brew, +3s each round.
- Pro Tip: Rinse leaves quickly (3s) before brewing to awaken fragrance.
3.3 Shui Xian: Floral & Cold Brew-Friendly
- Processing: Light roast, orchid aroma.
- Hot Brew:
- Water Temp: 95°C.
- Leaf Ratio: 1:25 (e.g., 4g tea in 100ml gaiwan).
- Cold Brew:
- Recipe: 5g tea + 500ml cold water, refrigerate 8hrs.
- Flavor: Sweet, floral, low-caffeine—perfect for summer!
4. Advanced Techniques from Tea Masters
- “High Pour, Low Serve”: Pour water from 30cm height to aerate tea; serve close to cups to retain heat.
- “General Guan’s Patrol”: Distribute tea evenly among cups for balanced flavor.
- Seasonal Tweaks: Add 10s steeping in winter; reduce 5s in summer.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Bitterness: Reduce leaf quantity (keep below 1:10 ratio) or lower water temp to 90°C.
- Weak Aroma: Switch to filtered water or Yixing teapot.
- Storage: Airtight container, away spices; 2 years at room temp, 5 years refrigerated.
6. Why Wuyi Oolong Fits Modern Lifestyles?
- Health Perks: Only 20-30mg caffeine per cup (1/3 of coffee), rich in antioxidants.
- Eco-Friendly: Hand-harvested in UNESCO-protected cliffs, supporting sustainable farming.
