Shui Xian Oolong from Teas Etc

Oolong tea, Tea reviews

“May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you and all your heart might desire.”

When Bec and I got married, we had those words printed on a card and placed on a table by the entrance to the winery. I still love them. There is something so homely and comforting about them — truly a wonderful benediction.

I am reminded of those words today, as it rains outside (a much needed rain) and I enjoy my morning tea ritual inside. Bec and Benny are asleep and I am trying a new tea: a Shui Xian oolong from Teas Etc.

Shui Xian comes from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China. It’s about at the halfway point in the scale of oxidation — Michael Harney estimates that it’s around 40% oxidized. As a result, it produces a light orange brew that is darker than lesser oxidized oolongs but paler than the very full-bodied Formosa Oolong or other highly oxidized oolongs.

I prepare the tea in a gaiwan, allowing it about a minute to steep. Its aroma is striking. “This is new”, I think to myself. It’s smoky, with a strong suggestion of stonefruit, but I find it quite distinctive from any other oolong I’ve ever had.

For some reason, the aroma had made me expect that this tea would be quite astringent. It’s not. Instead I’m surprised at just how smooth it is. It is as if this tea is finely balanced, allowing its stonefruit flavours and smokiness to combine without either dominating. I drink it slowly, happily watching the rain fall outside. There is much to be thankful for.

Shiu Xian is available from Teas Etc for $8.95 for a 1 oz tin. It was supplied to me as a free sample.