First flush spring leaves are picked and roasted for this classic "rock" or "cliff" style tea which comes from the Wu Yi Mountains in Fujian Province, China. This stunning area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the abundance of different species and cultural importance of its tea growing tradition. 

Rou Gui translates literally to cinnamon or cassia. The dry leaves give a distant impression of the spice and once they are rinsed it becomes more apparent. Short gong fu-style steepings produce a clear and peach-hued liquor. This oolong earns its nick name with magnificent almond milk, toast, and cinnamon flavors that persist in the mouth after each sip. We find ourselves picking up the gaiwan again and again to behold this mesmerizing tea.

The roasted oolongs such as Rou Gui, age very well and will deepen in flavor over the course of 2 to 5 years if stored well. We enjoy tasting the differences in this tea as time goes on.

Spring 2023 crop.