Da Hong Pao Rock Oolong (大红袍 — Big Red Robe)
I
Origin
Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province
II
Description
Wuyi Mountain's most legendary tea — the original Da Hong Pao grows on sheer cliff faces in the Wuyi Scenic Area, Fujian. Only 6 mother bushes survive; the last commercial harvest from the originals was sold at auction for over $28,000 per 20g (2005). Commercial Da Hong Pao is crafted from cuttings. The Wuyi Rock teas (yan cha) are characterised by the 'rock rhyme' (yan yun) — a mineral depth from the volcanic rock soil that lingers on the palate.
III
The Thread
—Barolo DOCG (terroir-defined mineral wine)
—Aged Gruyère (mineral depth from alpine pasture)
—Lapsang Souchong (same geographic area, smokier version)
IV
Flavour Context
Charcoal toast, dark stone fruit, mineral finish — the 'rock rhyme' is an experience rather than a flavour; a sensation of the mineral-laden Wuyi mountain water and volcanic soil in every sip
Pillars V — VII
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