In October, our physical tea house and online tea shop are honored to introduce the first Wuyi rock tea of 2025: our Charcoal Roasted Rou Gui Oolong Tea, crafted through the traditional light-fire slow-baking process.

This premium tea, sourced from the Danxia landform of Wuyi Mountain in Fujian, stands out in the Oolong family and is harvested only once each spring.

The Traditional Roasting Process of Wuyi Rock Tea

In the traditional production process, roasting is a key step, typically involving three techniques: high fire (high temperature), medium fire, and light fire.

• High fire roasting is done fewer times but requires a longer resting period before the tea is roasted again.
• Light fire involves more frequent roasting sessions, allowing for a gentler and more controlled process.

This method ensures the leaves reach a high degree of dryness while retaining their essential compounds, which allows the tea to develop aging potential. Over time, it transforms into a brew with a more complex aroma and smoother taste.

Why Light Fire Roasting Makes a Difference

Unlike high fire-roasted teas that highlight the characteristic Wuyi "rock rhyme" (Yan Yun), the lightly roasted version offers:

• More delicate aromas
• A fresher flavor
• Lighter roasted notes

This method better highlights the unique characteristics of the tea variety and uses carefully selected younger leaves to ensure a fragrant and sweet liquor.

The Complex and Time-Intensive Process

Regardless of the roasting technique used, the entire process is complex and time-intensive. Even though spring tea is harvested in March or April, the entire production process typically concludes by October, when the tea is ready for sale.

A Classic Tea with Unforgettable Flavor

Our Charcoal Roasted Rou Gui Oolong Tea, crafted using the light fire method, has been a stable and highly praised classic in our tea house for over a decade. Its unique flavor is truly unforgettable.

Brewing Experience

Here’s what you can expect from brewing our Charcoal Roasted Rou Gui Oolong Tea:

• Infusions 1-2: A rich floral aroma with pronounced sweetness.
• Infusions 3-5: The taste gradually becomes smoother, with the aftertaste beginning to emerge.
• Infusions 6-9: The flavor softens further, culminating in a delicate, clean, and lingering sweetness.

Perfect for Beginners and Oolong Lovers

This Rou Gui Oolong Tea (Cinnamon) - Charcoal Roasted is smooth, approachable, and easy to drink. It's an ideal choice for:

• Tea beginners
• Those who enjoy floral Oolongs like Tie Guan Yin or Taiwanese high mountain teas

It’s the perfect introduction to Wuyi rock tea!