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