Rou Gui Wuyi Oolong

Surprisingly good Rou Gui from Verdant! Far superior to my tastes to the Rou Gui I tried from OWT. Still would not purchase more of this at the price, but it is certainly easy to drink and very warming and kind to the soul.

Mouthfeel is fairly thick, sparkling, and mineral. Aftertaste is more a smoky/hazy feeling left in the mouth after swallowing. Quite fascinating really, as the only similar mouthfeel I’ve experienced is with Mi Lan Xiang Dan Cong oolong (also Verdant). Mild sweetness. No bitterness, or astringency.

This one comes from the Li family of Wuyi. The plot of land on which this tea grows is fairly natural and interspersed with wildflowers and such.

Verdant’s oolongs continue to impress. This one is just less my style I think. I’d prefer a dong ding if I’m seeking these vibes from a tea. But I’d never turn down a few cups of this tea as it is objectively exquisite.

Harvest: Spring 2023
Varietal: Rou Gui
Location: Wuyishan Ecological Preserve, Wuyishan, Fujian
Elevation: 600 m

Dry leaf: Nutty, Brazil nuts, pecans, roasted
Wet leaf: Bitter nuts
Taste: Pumpkin seeds, pecans, nutty, roasted, smoky, coffee, pecan pie filling, sweet, cinammon, mineral.

This tea was an absolute ride! I’m not much of an oolong drinker but I thoroughly enjoyed this tea. Pumpkin seed, carrot, coffee and black cherry were such surprising flavours, but I enjoyed them immensely.

Rou Gui Spring 2021
Oh, for heavens sakes. Why have I not yet reviewed this tea? I’ve definitely been drinking it and it is definitely amazing. Right from the moment you open the package you know you are in for a treat. Heck, even just reading the name of the tea excites me. It is a succulent scent. It will remind you of ripe fruits, muscatel, minerals, and a dry earthy sensation that reminds you of driftwood in the desert. The flavor will have you twisting in a soiree of nuances. Wet rocks, granite, slight floral notes, and meandering hints of fall leaves. The wet aroma is a circus. Buttered popcorn with slightly smoky notes.