Cinnamon Rock
Cha Le Tea Cafe
Type: Oolong
Origin: China, Fujian Province
Product Description:
Grown semi-wild in rock cracks high on a mountain in the Fujian Province, this woody oolong tea expresses a cinnamon-like flavour. Tea from the other side of the same mountain, Narcissus Rock Tea, has a floral flavour profile reminiscent of narcissus blossoms.
Temperature: 195-208° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 2-3 minutes
The dry leaves have an aroma of smoke and fire-seared wood with notes of pepper and an underlying sweetness.
The dark red liquor has a smoky aroma with cinnamon and pepper notes and a hint of stone fruit. The taste is roasty and mildly smoky with a hint of sweetness and a smoky cinnamon finish.
A friend kindly gave me a sample of this rou gui purchased during a visit to Cha Le a couple years ago. It aged a bit before I had the opportunity to taste it so some of the original nuance is missing, though I'm sure a re-roasting will revive it nicely. Steeping for 3 minutes at 208° F produced a dark liquor with heavy notes of smoke. Results were more nuanced with a 2 minute infusion at 195° F and I especially enjoyed the smoother and sweeter third infusion at this temperature.
Unfortunately, Cha Le Tea Cafe closed for business in September 2019.
This tea was received as a gift from a third party.
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