Shui Jin Gui 2008

Tea: Shui Jin Gui (Golden Water Turtle) Light Roast Rock Oolong 2008
Vendor: Seven Cups
Price: $14.30 / 50g
Source: Fujian, China
Vendor Description: There are four famous ancient rock oolong tea including Da Hong Pao, Bai Ji Guan, Tie Luo Han and Shui Jin Gui. Of these, Shui Jin Gui and Bai Ji Guan are have a mild and sweet character compare to the other rock oolongs. This Shui Jin Gui is lightly roasted to easily appreciate the floral aroma. The light pure taste has a sweet flavor without bitterness. This is a perfect tea for new drinkers to appreciate one of the ancient rock oolong teas. see Shui Jin Gui for most information on origins of this bush
Additional Vendor Information: Location: Fujian Province
Tea Bush: Shui Jin Gui
Tea Master: Liu Guo Ying
Harvest Time: April-May
Picking Standard: zhong kai mian (3 slightly open leaves)
Brewing vessel: glass cup, gaiwan, glass or porcelain pot, yixing pot
Brewing Guidelines: 1st infusion 1 ½ Tbs per 12 oz 212F for 1 min
Infusions: at least 6 times

Leaf: This tea is comprised of large black leaf. It looks quite typical for a Wuyi Oolong. The leaves are light and fluffy, twisted as is normal. There is also a very prominent and heavy wuyi aroma to it.

1st Infusion Parameters: 2.5g, 3oz, 208F, 45s, 5s rinse

1st Infusion: This infusion has a light amber hue. There is a pleasant light roasty aroma to it. The flavor is light with a sweet aftertaste. The flavor seems to develop more as the cup progresses. The flavor is mostly in the early portion and finishes a light sense of astringency.

2nd Infusion Parameters: 1:30, 208F

2nd Infusion: This infusion has a darker brownish hue than the first one. The aroma is rich and sweet. The flavor is light and crisp. It has a very clean feeling to it. The middle of the flavor pokes out some hints of a heavy flavor and leaves with a heavy aftertaste. The afteraste was heavy as if the tea were all around heavier.

3rd Infusion Parameters: 2:00, 208F

3rd Infusion: This infusion has the same enjoyable wuyi aroma. The flavor is bold and rich, it is upfront and smooth. The tea really opened up for this infusion. Although it leaves a bit of an empty aftertaste on the back end.

Rating: 8/10

Conclusion: This tea is very subtle. The first two infusions are light and pleasant. It's almost as if it takes the first two infusioins to open up, but the subtle infusions are light and pleasant. The tea is well handled and very intact, which for a wuyi is impressive. Thank you to Jessica over at Authoritea for this sample.