Okay, so the other day I decided to try this Shui Xian Oolong Tea I’d heard so much about. I’ve always been a big fan of oolong, you know, because they have this vast range of flavors, and I’d heard this one was something else. I mean, they call it “water sprite” or “water fairy,” how could I not be curious?
First off, I did a bit of digging online. Apparently, Shui Xian is one of those famous Wuyi Mountain oolongs. If you don’t know, Wuyi oolongs are known for being roasted, giving them these deep, rich flavors. The oxidation levels can vary a ton, from like 8% all the way up to 80%. That’s a huge range, so each oolong can be super different.
I found a vendor that seemed legit – a lot of people seemed to love it, anyway. I placed my order and waited. It felt like forever, but when the package finally arrived, I was so excited I could not wait to brew it.
When I opened the bag, the aroma hit me first. It was this amazing, floral, and slightly roasted scent that just filled the room. The leaves were dark and tightly rolled, which is pretty typical for these types of oolongs.
- Brewing it up: I heated some water, not quite boiling, around 195°F (90°C). I rinsed the leaves quickly, just to wake them up, you know?
- First steep: I steeped the leaves for about 30 seconds. The color that came out was this beautiful golden amber. I took a sip, and wow, the taste was so complex. There was this natural sweetness, mixed with a roasted, almost nutty flavor.
- More steeps: The cool thing about good oolong is that you can steep it multiple times. Each time, the flavor changes a little. The second steep was a bit stronger, and I started to notice some mineral notes – they call it “yan yun” or “rock rhyme” because the tea grows in these rocky mountains. I did a third and even a fourth steep, and it kept surprising me. The later steeps got a bit lighter but still had a lingering sweetness.
What I Think
After trying it several times now, I totally get why people love Shui Xian Oolong. It’s such an experience. The way the flavor develops with each steep is amazing. It’s not just a drink; it’s like a little journey in your cup. This tea has this rich, complex flavor that keeps you coming back for more. It’s become one of my favorites, for sure.
I’m still exploring different oolongs, but this one has set the bar pretty high. I’ve also been comparing it to Da Hong Pao, another Wuyi oolong. They’re both great, but they have their own unique characteristics. It’s fascinating how different they can be, even though they come from the same region.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my little tea adventure. If you’re into oolongs or just curious about trying something new, I highly recommend giving Shui Xian a shot. It’s definitely worth it.
