2009 Aged Shui Jin Gui Wuyi Oolong

This 2009 Shui Jin Gui Wuyi Oolong (水金龟) is one of Wuyi Mountain’s famous “Four Great Bushes” alongside Da Hong Pao, Bai Ji Guan, and Tie Luo Han and is a must-try if you enjoy rich, mineral-forward oolongs.

Its name, meaning “Golden Water Turtle,” comes from a local legend. After a heavy rain, a monk from Leishi Temple spotted a tea plant growing near a stream. Its twisted branches reminded him of a golden turtle resting in the water, giving the tea this name. Some argue that the name also comes from the leaves themselves which are thick, glossy, and slightly curved like a turtle’s shell.

Shui Jin Gui is a perfect balance of deep, roasted flavors and smooth sweetness. The aroma hits first with bold cocoa and a touch of orchid-like floralness. The taste unfolds into creamy vanilla custard notes, layered with subtle stone-like minerality. It has a medium-thick body and a lingering mineral and cocoa aftertaste. Compared to some of our more premium oolongs, it has a slight dryness, but it’s well-balanced and satisfying. This tea is fantastic during or after a meal. Its dessert-like flavors are indulgent, while its refreshing minerality helps reset the palate.

Gongfu Brewing Instructions:

To fully enjoy Shui Jin Gui, we recommend using a 90 ml gaiwan with 5 grams of tea leaves and 204°F (96°C) water and brewing it Gongfu style:

1. Give it a quick rinse to open up the leaves and warm your teaware

2. For the first infusion steep it for 15 seconds

3. For following infusions only steep for 3 seconds each

4. After the 6th infusion gradually increase steeping time by 1-2 seconds. Expect up to 16-18 infusions. Even if you accidentally oversteep it, the tea only gets slightly dryer and doesn’t develop any bitterness.

Shui Jin Gui is often overshadowed by its more famous counterpart, Da Hong Pao, but it offers just as much depth and complexity. If you already enjoy Da Hong Pao, this is a fantastic tea to explore. It carries the same satisfying roast and mineral-rich character but with a slightly sweeter, creamier finish. Each infusion brings out different layers of flavor, making it a rewarding tea to sit with and savor. Whether you’re new to Wuyi oolongs or a seasoned drinker, aged Shui Jin Gui is a tea that’s both bold and approachable, with a depth that keeps you coming back for more.

Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian -Province, China

Notes: Cocoa, Custard, Minerals, Slightly Floral