Not only is Hong Shui style tea similar in character to Wuyi style teas but, in this case, there is a further element that links us directly to the Rock teas of Fujian: the cultivar used to make this tea. They come from bushes that are direct descendants of Wuyi trees brought to Taiwan from northern Fujian before the Japanese rule. This is a very rare cultivar in Taiwan today as it has fallen into disuse since the recent prevailing trend towards fragrant teas. The Taiwanese plants have evolved very differently from their Chinese ancestors in the last century. Still, one will detect the mineral component as well as the tangy quench of stone fruit in the aroma and taste. The tannic structure is smooth yet brisk with a pleasant attack which is refreshing and dry. Taiwanese Wuyi tea plants make fantastic darker teas and these Lots 1252 and 1216 come from the same Beishan 1100 m garden – which we can now also officially state as organic according to local standards. It has a bold presence yet it is a complex and opulent tea that requires several infusions to reveal all of its different layers of taste, texture and aromas. You will be charmed by the beautiful, deep, reddish-brown liqueur that will captivate the nose with a whirlwind of aromas of spices, fruit compote, roasted nuts, and some more sensual fresh tobacco leaf notes. Purchasers of the Fall 2023 Lot 1252 will be further graced by the elusive presence of what we refer to as a Mixiang character. Teas labelled as Mixiang (honey aroma) propose a distinctive wild honey aroma and sweetness in the cup resulting from the leaves being bitten by tiny leaf-hoppers. Similar to their distant cousins, Wuyi teas shows great potential for ageing. We invite the curious minds and taste buds to sample both Lot 1216 and 1252 to experience the difference this component brings to a tea of the same origin. This is a rare opportunity for a tea amateur that we shamelessly promote to celebrate the expansive pleasures of tea as well as being a rare and authentic tea knowledge experience. Please note that Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 iterations of this same tea coming from the same garden and producer are proposed on this page. We encourage you to try different seasonal offerings and compare; it’s great fun.