Shuixian "Flower Fairy"

花仙子 正岩水仙

Harvest
April 2024

Origin
Wuyi Mountain, Fujian, China

Flower Fairy is a True Cliff Rock Oolong crafted from leaves grown on Bishi 碧石岩, or “Jade Stone Cliff,” within the Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve. With only two rounds of charcoal roasting, it is a lighter style Shuixian. Amongst oolong varietals Shuixian is famous for its fragrance and floral after taste: you will not be confused as to how this tea got its enchanting name. 
 
The tea leaves were harvested in the spring of 2024. They received two rounds of charcoal roasting in October, and were then aged for one year to integrate the florality of the tea leaves and the taste of the roasting. We often find that lighter style rock oolongs lean almost too far to the floral side, unbalanced without the depth and complexity that comes from further roasting. However, this Shuixian surprised us. The leaves themselves have an innate depth and body, easily evoked by subtle roasting, and not overwhelmed by the bouquet of flowers it holds. 

Its lightly golden liquor is sweet and smooth, with metallic edges that leave a strong impression on our palate and articulate notes of cacao shells and violet. Its roasted notes and mineral depth come out through infusions, moving us out of this bed of flowers and into the cliffs from which this tea came. It’s a relaxing journey that brings warmth and stillness to the body, almost like it's occurring in a dream. The combination of purple flowers, wet stone, and ethereal affect conjures a night during which this tea lands on us like an electric kiss from a dewy and nectar-drunk fairy. 

. . .

Brewing guide