Shui Xian is a leafy, dark, highly-oxidized strip-style oolong from the Wu Yi Shan area of northwestern Fujian Province in Mainland China. As with most rock oolongs, there are many specific cultivars, growing areas, and grades of Shui Xian.
One of the Wu Yi Shan’s most well-known teas, Shui Xian (Water Sprite Oolong) has long, slender, thick-ish, slightly-twisted leaves and has been finish-fired over charcoal. This tea has many fans among our oolong-enthusiast customers, and is a reasonably-priced introduction to the wonderful world of Wu Yi Shan yan cha (rock oolongs).
Expect simple but satisfying scotch-like peaty flavor and a rich, smooth mouth-filling body from this reasonably-priced Shui Xian. Occasionally we will have an expensive Shui Xian on offer; but we try to always have a reasonably-priced yan cha such as this one, for those who just love to drink a satisfying dark oolong beverage.
Western-style steeping: (Medium to large sized teapot: 20-32 oz)
Use 2-3 heaping teaspoons (2-3 grams) of tea per each 6oz water
Steep 1-3 infusions at 2-3 minutes each.
Water temperature should be 195° – 205° F
Asian-style steeping: (small teapots under 10 oz or a gaiwan)
Use 2-3 Tablespoons (5-6 grams) of tea per each 6oz water
Steep upwards of 6-8 infusions (or more!) at 10 seconds to 1 minute each
Water temperature should be 195° – 205° F