The Art of Roasting Oolong Tea

Roasting oolong tea serves three key purposes: reducing moisture, removing any off-flavors, and lowering caffeine content, all while enhancing the tea's aroma and flavor.Teas with different oxidation levels need different roasting levels. Usually, lightly oxidized teas are lightly roasted to enhance their flavor. If a tea is lightly oxidized but heavily roasted, it can taste too smoky, often because the oxidation wasn’t done properly and the roasting is used to cover it up.
The level of roasting significantly impacts the tea’s aroma and taste. Light roasting preserves the fresh, floral fragrance, while heavy roasting creates a richer, smoother brew with toasty or smoky undertones.

This tea features Wuyi Rougui oolong from the renowned Wuyi Mountains in Fujian, crafted by the same tea master. The only difference lies in the roasting level, offering you an excellent opportunity to explore how roasting shapes the flavors of oolong tea.

Origin：Jingshui Village, Xingcun Town, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China

Master Blender：Chen Hui

Processing Time：November 2024

Best Before Date：24 months

 Tea Variety：Wuyi Cinnamon

Altitude：about 400 meters

Soil Type：gravelly soil

Oxidation Level：Oxidization 45-55%

Roasting Level：Single Roast: Light roast, 90-100°C (194-212°F)
Triple Roast: Medium roast, 105-115°C (221-239°F)
Triple Roast (Full Fire): Heavy roast, 120-130°C (248-266°F)

Roasting Method (Charcoal or Electric)：

Light cinnamon: electric roasting 20g
Medium fire cinnamon: charcoal briquetting 20g
Full Flame Cinnamon: charcoal briquetting 20g

Brewing Recommendations：

Chinese-Style Oolong Brewing
Teaware: Gaiwan or clay teapot
Water Temp: 212°F (100°C)
Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1g per 0.7 oz (20ml)
Steep Time: 10-15 sec (1-3 steeps), add 5-10 sec after
Re-Steep: Up to 7 times

Western-Style Oolong Brewing
Teaware: Teapot, infuser, or French press
Water Temp: 190-200°F (88-93°C)
Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1 tsp (2-3g) per 8 oz (240ml)
Steep Time: 3-5 minutes
Re-Steep: Up to 3 times, adding 1-2 minutes each time

Maybe You’re Not a Fan of Aged Tea Trees

In both Pu-erh and oolong tea, the age of the tea tree matters. Generally, older trees are rarer, which drives up their price. The age of the trees is most significant in certain oolong varieties, like Shui Xian (including Phoenix Shui Xian, Wuyi Shui Xian, and Minbei Shui Xian).

Typically, younger tea trees contain higher levels of amino acids but lower levels of tea polyphenols and minerals. This results in teas that are sweeter and fresher, but with a lighter, less complex flavor. These teas tend to have more floral notes and are best suited for light fermentation and roasting processes.

On the other hand, older tea trees tend to have higher levels of tea polyphenols, fiber, sugars, and minerals. They’re not as restricted by processing techniques, and the resulting teas are often richer, with more prominent sweetness, a longer-lasting aftertaste, and better endurance for multiple infusions.

This product features Phoenix Shui Xian and Wuyi Shui Xian from the same origin, made with similar processes but from different-aged trees. It’s a great way to compare how tree age influences the flavor of oolong tea.

Products Included:

• Fenghuang Shuixian(Under 30 Years)
• Fenghuang Shuixian(30-70 Years)
• Fenghuang Shuixian(Over 70 Years)
• Wuyi Shuixian (Under 30 Years)
• Wuyi Shuixian (30-70 Years)
• Wuyi Shuixian (Over 70 Years)

Origin：

• Fenghuang Shuixian(Under 30 Years):Shenming Village, Fenghuang Town, Chaoan District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China
• Fenghuang Shuixian(30-70 Years):Daping Village, Fenghuang Town, Chaoan District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China
• Fenghuang Shuixian(Over 70 Years):Gezaiwei, Wudong Village, Fenghuang Town, Chaoan District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China.
• Wuyi Shuixian (Under 30 Years):Jingshui Village, Xingcun Town, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China
• Wuyi Shuixian (30-70 Years):Daan Village, Yangzhuang Township, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province
• Wuyi Shuixian (Over 70 Years):Tianxin Village, Wuyi Township, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province

Master Blender：

• Fenghuang Shuixian:Lin Jizhong,林纪中
• Wuyi Shuixian:Chen hui,陈辉

Processing Time：

• Fenghuang Shuixian:Early May 2023
• Wuyi Shuixian:May 2024

Best Before Date：

• 36months

Tea Variety：

• Fenghuang Shuixian variety
• Wuyi Shuixiann variety

Altitude：

• Fenghuang Shuixian(Under 30 Years):760 meters 
• Fenghuang Shuixian(30-70 Years):800-90 meters 
• Fenghuang Shuixian(Over 70 Years):1150 meters 
• Wuyi Shuixian (Under 30 Years):400 meters
• Wuyi Shuixian (30-70 Years):800-900 meters
• Wuyi Shuixian (Over 70 Years):500 meters

Soil Type：

• Fenghuang Shuixian:yellow soil
• Wuyi Shuixian:gravelly soil

Oxidation Level：

•  Medium oxidation (40-50%)

Roasting Level：

• Under 30 Years (Option 1): Three roasts, medium-heavy fire (110-115°C / 230-239°F)
• 30-70 Years (Option 1): Three roasts, medium-heavy fire (110-115°C / 230-239°F)
• Over 70 Years (Option 1): Three roasts, medium fire (110-115°C / 230-239°F)
• Under 30 Years (Option 2): Two roasts, heavy fire (110-115°C / 230-239°F)
• 30-70 Years (Option 2): Three roasts, light fire (95-105°C / 203-221°F)
• Over 70 Years (Option 2): Light fire, 95-105°C (203-221°F)
• (Light Fire ~ 80°C, Medium Fire ~ 100°C, Heavy Fire ~ 120°C)

Roasting Method (Charcoal or Electric)：

• charcoal briquetting 

Brewing Recommendations：

Chinese-Style Oolong Brewing
Teaware: Gaiwan or clay teapot
Water Temp: 212°F (100°C)
Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1g per 0.7 oz (20ml)
Steep Time: 10-15 sec (1-3 steeps), add 5-10 sec after
Re-Steep: Up to 7 times

Western-Style Oolong Brewing
Teaware: Teapot, infuser, or French press
Water Temp: 100°C (212°F)

Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1 tsp (2-3g) per 8 oz (240ml)
Steep Time: 3minutes
Re-Steep: 3 times, adding 1minutes each time

Oolong Tea: The Balance of Oxidation

Oolong tea is a partially oxidized tea, with oxidation levels ranging from 10% to 70%. Oxidation plays a key role in shaping the tea's aroma and the brightness of its flavor. Light oxidation creates fresh floral and fruity notes, while higher oxidation brings out richer, more mature fruit or honey-like aromas.

Lightly Oxidized Oolong (10%–25%): Examples like Wen Shan Baozhong and light-roast Tieguanyin showcase fresh floral and fruity scents.
Moderately Oxidized Oolong (25%–50%): Teas such as Phoenix Dan Cong and medium-roast Tieguanyin have a balanced profile, combining floral notes with hints of honey, fruit, or roasting, resulting in a complex aroma.
Heavily Oxidized Oolong (50%–70%): Classics like Da Hong Pao, Wuyi Rougui, and Oriental Beauty deliver mature fruit aromas, roasted or caramel-like notes, and a smooth, full-bodied brew.
This product includes four renowned oolong teas, all lightly roasted but with varying oxidation levels. It’s the perfect way to explore how different oxidation levels influence the flavor and aroma of oolong tea.

Products Included:

• Fresh Tieguanyin (Light Oxidation) 20g
• Zhangping Shuixian Oolong Tea (Medium-Light Oxidation) 20g
• Minnan Shuixian (Medium Oxidation) 20g
• Oriental Beauty (Heavy Oxidation) 20g

Origin：

• Fresh Tieguanyin: Longjuan Village, Longjuan Township, Anxi County, Fujian Province, China
• Zhangping Shuixian:Beiliao Village, Nanyang Town, Zhangping City, Fujian Province, China
• Minnan Shuixian:Wuxi Village, Wufeng Town, Yongchun County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
• Oriental Beauty:Neiyang Village, Pingshan Township, Sanming City, Fujian Province, China

Master Blender：

• Fresh Tieguanyin: Chen Qizhi
• Zhangping Shuixian:He Meiqing
• Minnan Shuixian:Xu Yongyuan
• Oriental Beauty:Li Jianmin

Processing Time：

• Fresh Tieguanyin: November 2024
• Zhangping Shuixian:June 2024
• Minnan Shuixian:December 2024
• Oriental Beauty:early June 2024

Best Before Date：24months

Tea Variety：

• Tieguanyin: Tieguanyin Varieties
• Zhangping Shui Xian: Minnan Shuixian Varieties
• Minnan Shuixian: Jianyang Shui Xian Varieties
• Oriental Beauty: Jin Xuan variety

Altitude：

• Tieguanyin: 800-900 meters
• Zhangping Shui Xian: 400-500 meters
  
• Minnan Shuixian:900-1000 meters
• Oriental Beauty:1100 meters
  

Soil Type： 

• Tieguanyin: red soil
• Zhangping Shui Xian: yellow and red soil
  
• Minnan Shuixian: red soil
• Oriental Beauty:Red soil

Oxidation Level：

• Tieguanyin: Light oxidation (10-20%)
• Zhangping Shui Xian:  Mild-light oxidation (25-30%)
  
• Minnan Shuixian:  Medium oxidation (40-50%)
• Oriental Beauty:Heavy oxidation (60-70%)

Roasting Level：

• Very light roast, 70-80°C (158-176°F)

Roasting Method (Charcoal or Electric)：

• electric roasting

Brewing Recommendations：

Chinese-Style Oolong Brewing
Teaware: Gaiwan or clay teapot
Water Temp: 212°F (100°C)
Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1g per 0.7 oz (20ml)
Steep Time: 10-15 sec (1-3 steeps), add 5-10 sec after
Re-Steep: Up to 7 times

Western-Style Oolong Brewing
Teaware: Teapot, infuser, or French press
Water Temp: 90-100°C (194-212°F)

Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1 tsp (2-3g) per 8 oz (240ml)
Steep Time: 3-5 minutes
Re-Steep: Up to 3 times, adding 1-2 minutes each time

A Journey of Fire and Technology
"For centuries, Chinese oolong tea masters have debated: the slow dance of charcoal fire or the precision of electric heat? This kit invites you to explore two roasting philosophies through Phoenix Dancong and Wuyi Rock Tea – one shaped by ancestral wisdom, the other refined by technology."

Product Contains:
Charcoal-Roasted Wuyi Rougui* 20 g
Electric-Roasted Wuyi Rougui* 20 g
Charcoal-Roasted Mi Lan Xiang Dancong* 20 g
Electric-Roasted Mi Lan Xiang Dancong* 20 g

Product Information (Wuyi Rougui)
Type: Semi-Rock (Ban Yan)
Origin: Jingshui Village, Xingcun Town, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China
Altitude: 400m
Producer: Chen Hui
Processing Timeline: Maocha: April 2024; Initial Roasting: August 2024; Final Roasting: November 2024

Product Information (Mi Lan Xiang Dancong)
Origin: Fengxi Village, Fenghuang Town, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China
Altitude: 600–800m
Tree Age: ~30 years
Producer: Lin Zhiqiang
Processing Timeline: Maocha: April 2024; Initial Roasting: August 2024; Final Roasting: November 2024

Charcoal Roasting: The Art of Traditional Oolong
Charcoal roasting is the soul of traditional oolong tea. Using slow, low heat from wood like longan or lychee, it transforms the leaves, creating a rich flavor profile with caramel sweetness, mineral notes, and a smoky depth.
This method is perfect for Wuyi Rock Tea and Phoenix Dancong, turning grassy flavors into smooth, complex profiles and bringing out caramel and fruit-like sweetness.
Compared to modern electric roasting, charcoal roasting offers:
Better texture — glossy dark brown leaves vs. greenish-brown
Richer aromas — smoky and natural tea fragrances vs. a single roasted flavor
More infusions — over 8 brews vs. 5
Longer shelf life — improves over 5+ years vs. needing to be consumed within the year
Despite challenges like higher carbon emissions, charcoal roasting is essential for high-end oolong, much like oak barrels for fine wine. It elevates tea from "fresh leaves" to a living, evolving art.

Electric Roasting: The Modern Approach to Oolong Tea
Electric roasting is a key technique in modern oolong tea production, offering significant advantages in efficiency and consistency. Using electric heating elements, the temperature is precisely controlled between 70-130°C, with roasting time typically ranging from 2-5 hours. This process improves production speed compared to traditional charcoal roasting.
One of the standout features of electric roasting is its digital temperature control, maintaining a stable temperature within ±5°C. This eliminates the uneven heat fluctuations common in charcoal roasting, making it ideal for light-fermented oolongs that preserve fresh floral and fruity aromas.
In terms of flavor, electric-roasted teas shine with vibrant floral notes and a refreshing taste. The tea is clear and bright in color. While it lacks the rich depth of charcoal-roasted teas, it meets the demand for light, refreshing tea that modern consumers crave.

How to Brew?
Teaware: Yixing teapot (preferably zhuni clay) or thick-walled gaiwan
Water Quality: Spring water or soft water (hardness < 50 mg/L)
Tea-to-Water Ratio: 5g tea / 100ml water
Water Temperature: 100°C (boiling)
Rinse: Quick rinse with boiling water (under 5 seconds); discard the first infusion
Steeping Times:
Infusions 1–3: 15 seconds each
Infusions 4–10: Mi Lan Xiang: increase by 5 seconds per infusion
Wuyi Rougui: increase by 5–10 seconds per infusion

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.