Buying Guide-Aging

To explore how aging changes the flavor of tea, we selected five traditionally charcoal-roasted Minnan Shuixian teas from Yongchun Beikeng Overseas Chinese Tea Factory—vintages from 1994, 2004, 2014, 2020, and 2024.
This tasting journey reveals how time transforms the rich character of Shuixian oolong. Let’s experience the evolution together.

This Set Includes:
2024 Minnan Shui Xian (Charcoal-Roasted, Rich Aroma Style)* 20 g
2019 Minnan Shui Xian (Charcoal-Roasted, Rich Aroma Style)* 20 g
2014 Minnan Shui Xian (Charcoal-Roasted, Rich Aroma Style)* 20 g
2004 Minnan Shui Xian (Charcoal-Roasted, Rich Aroma Style)* 20 g
1994 Minnan Shui Xian (Charcoal-Roasted, Rich Aroma Style)* 20 g

Flavor Evolution (For Reference)

2024 (New Tea):
Dominated by natural orchid aroma with a touch of charcoal roast. The fragrance is bright and long-lasting — when brewed with boiling water, the rising steam carries a rich floral note. The tea leaves a clear, lingering aroma in the cup. The taste is full-bodied, smooth, and sweet, with richness but no bitterness. It delivers a strong returning sweetness and a long, lingering finish. The liquor is robust yet not overly stimulating.
5-Year Aged (2020):
Orchid aroma fades, charcoal notes retreat. Hints of ripe fruit begin to emerge, along with a touch of fresh woodiness. A light acidity appears, but the tea still stimulates salivation. The overall taste becomes smoother, though slightly thinner in complexity.
10-Year Aged (2015):
Acidity lessens. Aged notes (like dry wood) blend with faint traces of orchid. The freshness is gone. The liquor becomes silky, and the returning sweetness shifts toward a rock sugar-like softness.
20-Year Aged (2005):
Dominated by aged aromas (sandalwood, herbs). The liquor turns amber, thick and rich like rice soup. The aftertaste is deep with a medicinal undertone.
30-Year Aged (1995):
A complex blend of aged and herbal notes (like ginseng and dried citrus peel). The liquor is thick, smooth, and almost oily. Sweetness is subtle and refined, with a long-lasting aftertaste reminiscent of aged liquor.

How to Brew?
Teaware:
For fresh tea, use a gaiwan or Yixing teapot.
For teas aged 5–10 years, use a Yixing teapot.
For teas aged 20+ years, use an old Yixing teapot or a coarse clay pot for boiling.
Water Temperature:
Fresh tea: 95–100°C
Aged tea: 100°C
Tea-to-Water Ratio:
1g tea per 20 ml of water
Awakening the Tea:
For teas aged 5–10 years: open the bag and let the tea breathe for about 5 minutes before brewing.
For teas aged 20+ years: open the bag and let it air out a day in advance.
Steep Time
Rinse First:
First infusion: quick 3-second rinse, discard — this is to warm up and awaken the tea.
2nd to 4th infusion: 8–15 seconds
From the 5th infusion onward: increase time by 5–10 seconds per brew
For Aged Tea (20+ years):
Can be boiled directly or brewed in a teapot for 10 infusions before boiling.