Rou Gui

Rou Gui (肉桂) – Wuyi Mountains, 2023: pure minerality, creamy texture and discreet, spicy-cinnamon aromatics.

Detailed description

Rou Gui is one of the most well-known varieties of Wuyi rock teas (yancha). The 2023 batch brings the classic style: medium roast, good structure, expressive yet clean cup.

Origin

Geography: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian, China – the historical homeland of wulong “rock teas”.
Category: oolong (yancha, “rock tea”).
Cultivar: Rou Gui – the name literally means “cinnamon/cassia”, with a spicy-floral scent.

Processing

Traditional wuyi processing: careful rolling and medium roasting in several stages, with resting periods. The goal is to highlight the mineral backbone and creamy texture without excessive smokiness.

Flavor profile

Buttery-creamy opening, clean minerality in the middle and a delicate cassia/cinnamon spiciness; roasted seeds , bark/ash in the finish and red berry nuances appear. The sip remains sweet for a long time.

Flavor profile – broken down

• Aroma: light roasting, cocoa powder, roasted hazelnuts, cinnamon spice.
• Body: medium-full → full, creamy mouthfeel.
• Taste: pure minerality, delicate cassia cinnamon, roasted seeds, red berry finish.
• Finish: long, sweet-spicy, with a characteristic "rocky note".
• Sensory impression: elegant, well-controlled roasted yancha, stable over several pours.

Preparation instructions

Asian (gaiwan/hohin – gongfu)

• Tea/water: 7–8 g/100–120 ml
• Water temperature: 98–100 °C
• Rinse: 1 quick (3–5 sec)
• Soaks (guideline): 1) 8–12 sec → 2) 10–15 sec → 3) 15–20 sec, then increase by 5–10 sec per round. 8–10 pours is realistic.
• Tip: soft, filtered water brings out the “rock minerality” and creamy texture more clearly.

West

• Tea/water: 3–4 g/250–300 ml
• Water temperature: 95–98 °C
• Soaking: 2:30–3:30 minutes
• Re-soak: 1× 4–5 minutes (sweeter, nuttier flavor).

Cold brew

• Tea/water: 10 g/1 liter of cold, filtered water
• In the refrigerator: 8–10 hours
• Consumption: strained; best within 24–48 hours.

Unpacking and storage

Recommended packaging: 25 g / 50 g / 100 g in aroma-sealed sachets. Keep in a cool, dry place, protected from light; Close it carefully after opening.

Who do we recommend it to?

• Those who like spicy (cassia/cinnamon) notes with wuyi minerality.
• For Yancha fans and those looking for a stable, multi-pour oolong.
• For everyday "gongfu" tea drinking and for more in-depth occasions.