Wu San Di Shui Xian (吴三地水仙 ) is a yancha or rock tea produced in the high mountains of the village of Wu San Di in Wuyi, Fujian, China. Shui Xian (水仙) means narcissus or water sprite, the exact origins of the name are unclear, the character 水 means water and the character 仙 invokes the idea of a hermit or taoist immortal in seclusion. The tea is not grown on the core Wuyi producing area but in a higher mountain region of Wuyi. It has been Charcoal Roasted several times to reach a medium roast level. From my experience Shui Xian has more of a reputation for it’s aroma compared to other Yancha cultivars, but the body and flavour behind this one was fully on par with other Yancha I drink.

The dry leaves have a light indistinct aroma initially, but when heated explode with strong sweet, fruity notes. It brews a dark red to amber and the liquor and empty cups have a very moreish scent. It has a thick body and lasting texture all the way through, and the sweet roasty flavour only starts to give way to the more vegetal smoky leaf notes 5 or 6 brews in. A very solid yancha I want to drink a lot of.