April 2025
Wuyi Rock Tea
We are featuring four exceptional Yan Cha (岩茶, Rock Teas) from the Zheng Yan (正岩) core region of Wuyishan (Wuyi Mountain). Nestled within the national park, this area is renowned for producing the finest expressions of Wuyi Yan Cha, where the unique rocky terroir and traditional roasting techniques create teas with deep complexity, rich minerality, and lasting sweetness. This month's selection highlights distinct micro-regions and the three most well-known rock teas: Da Hong Pao, Rou Gui, and Shui Xian. Da Hong Pao from DaWangFeng is crafted from the Qi Dan cultivar, a clonal descendant of the original Da Hong Pao mother trees propagated by cutting. Rou Gui from FoGuoYan features a high fragrance of Chinese cassia spice with a warming, structured mouthfeel. Our two Shui Xian selections showcase different styles: Lao Cong (Old Bush) Shui Xian offers deeper, aged complexity, while Orchid Aroma Shui Xian presents an elegant expression with pronounced floral aromatics. Notably, the Rou Gui and Lao Cong Shui Xian were brought by Vincent during his recent US and Europe tour, adding a special connection to this month's club selection. Each of these four teas has been aged for two years after charcoal roasting, allowing their flavors to deepen, mellow, and develop greater complexity. Enjoy exploring their evolving flavors and the signature 'Yan Yun' (岩韵, Rock Rhyme)—the mineral-rich resonance of true Wuyi rock tea.
