Shui Jin Gui (水金龜)

tea imagery: Golden turtle

Shui Jin Gui is a Wuyi rock oolong worth exploring for its floral aroma as well as its roast. Different batches may suggest cocoa, nuts or fruit. Start with a moderate brew so that the baked notes leave room for the more delicate aromas.

History

The “Golden Water Turtle” belongs to the traditional four famous Wuyi ming cong, alongside Da Hong Pao, Tie Luo Han and Bai Ji Guan. The leaves are withered and shaken, then heated to stop oxidation, rolled and dried. The finishing roast may involve several rounds with rests in between. Ask the seller about the roast: the name does not define one consistently mild style.

One origin tale describes a flood carrying a tea bush onto another person’s land, prompting a dispute over ownership. It is folklore. The golden turtle in our illustration plays on the tea’s name.

Terroir

Wuyishan, northwestern Fujian. Varies between gardens. Gardens occupy different soils, including weathered rock. Humid climate, with varying sunlight and airflow across slopes. When comparing Shui Jin Gui with Tie Luo Han, choose similar roasts if possible. Otherwise, differences in roasting can be mistaken for differences between cultivars.

Leaf

dry leaf: Long, rolled leaves in shades of brown, sometimes very dark.

aroma in a warmed vessel: A warm gaiwan may reveal nutty or cocoa-like notes.

aroma after brewing: Let the steam clear, then look for floral aromas.

taste: Floral and fruity notes may accompany the roast and a mellow sweetness. Cocoa and nuts describe flavour associations, not added ingredients.

finish: Notice how sweetness changes as the cup cools and whether your mouth feels dry after a sip.

Properties

Traditional descriptions: Traditional descriptions often associate roasting with “warmth”. This reflects ideas about tea rather than an established medical effect.

What to know: Contains caffeine. A mellow or sweet taste alone does not tell you how well you will tolerate it.

Over a cup of tea: Take a quiet break with a small cup and follow the aroma as the tea cools.

Caffeine: The amount depends on the leaves, water and steeping time. An exact figure requires testing the brewed tea.

How to brew

A porcelain gaiwan or teapot holding 120 ml. 95–100 °C; start with 5 g per 120 ml. Time for each infusion: 15 s, 15 s, 20 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s.

When to drink

During the day; avoid leaving the session until evening if you are sensitive to caffeine. Any season. To compare floral and baked notes in the same cup. Walnuts or a slice of pear after the first cup on its own. For tasting two rock oolongs with a friend

What to notice

Smell the dry leaves in the warmed vessel.
Compare them with the aroma of the empty cup.
Which note appeared only after brewing?

Questions and answers

How do you brew Shui Jin Gui?

A porcelain gaiwan or teapot holding 120 ml. 95–100 °C; start with 5 g per 120 ml. Time for each infusion: 15 s, 15 s, 20 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s.

What does Shui Jin Gui taste like?

Floral and fruity notes may accompany the roast and a mellow sweetness. Cocoa and nuts describe flavour associations, not added ingredients.

How much caffeine is in Shui Jin Gui?

The amount depends on the leaves, water and steeping time. An exact figure requires testing the brewed tea.

What else should I know about Shui Jin Gui?

Contains caffeine. A mellow or sweet taste alone does not tell you how well you will tolerate it.