1993 Wu Yi Shui Xian Oolong Tea (Charcoal Roasted)

Wuyi Shuixian Oolong Tea, also known as Wuyi Dazhong (Great Kind) Tea, is a prestigious variety of oolong tea hailing from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China. This tea holds a special place in the realm of Chinese teas, distinguished by its unique terroir, intricate processing techniques, and exquisite taste profile.

Origin and Terroir
Origin: Wuyi Shuixian Oolong Tea is native to the Wuyi Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse and distinctive rock formations, fertile soil, and ideal climate for tea cultivation.
Terroir: The tea bushes thrive in the region's misty, cool climate, abundant rainfall, and rich mineral-laden soil, contributing to the tea's unique aroma and flavor.
Production Process
The production of Wuyi Shuixian Oolong Tea involves several meticulous steps, blending traditional techniques with modern innovations:

Plucking: Only the finest, most mature tea leaves are hand-plucked during the spring and autumn seasons, ensuring optimal quality.
Withering: The plucked leaves are evenly spread out to lose moisture and soften, preparing them for the next steps.
Rolling and Oxidation: The leaves are gently rolled to promote oxidation, a process that develops the tea's aroma and color. The degree of oxidation is carefully controlled to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
Fixing: After reaching the desired level of oxidation, the leaves are quickly heated to halt the oxidation process and preserve their unique characteristics.
Drying and Sorting: The tea leaves are then dried to remove any remaining moisture and sorted to remove any imperfections.
Characteristics
Wuyi Shuixian Oolong Tea is distinguished by its:

Appearance: The dried tea leaves are dark green to brownish, tightly rolled into long strips.
Aroma: It boasts a rich, floral aroma with subtle notes of fruit and minerals, reminiscent of fresh flowers and ripe peaches.
Taste: The tea liquor is amber to golden in color, with a full-bodied, smooth, and slightly sweet taste. It offers a complex and layered flavor profile, with hints of honey, nuts, and a faint astringency that balances the overall taste.
Leaf Bottom: The infused leaves are dark green with a red edge, indicating proper oxidation and processing.
Health Benefits
Wuyi Shuixian Oolong Tea is not only revered for its taste but also for its potential health benefits:

Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Weight Management: May aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and fat burning.
Digestive Health: Supports digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Mental Alertness: Contains caffeine and L-theanine, which may enhance mental alertness and reduce stress.
Brewing Tips
To fully appreciate the nuances of Wuyi Shuixian Oolong Tea, follow these brewing guidelines:

Water Temperature: Use water heated to around 95-100°C (203-212°F) for optimal extraction of flavors.
Tea-to-Water Ratio: Aim for a ratio of about 3-5 grams of tea leaves per 100 milliliters of water.
Steeping Time: Start with a short steeping time of around 30 seconds to 1 minute, gradually increasing for subsequent steepings to extract more flavors.
Infusion Count: High-quality Wuyi Shuixian Oolong Tea can be infused multiple times, offering a new layer of flavors with each steep.