Wuyi Rock Oolong: Huang Guan Yin 105 Cultivar

• Tea Category: Wuyi Rock Tea (Yán Chá 岩茶) / Oolong
• Cultivar: Huang Guan Yin (黄观音), also known as "105" — a hybrid of Huang Jin Gui (Golden Osmanthus) and Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy)
• Origin: Wuyi Mountain (Wǔyí Shān 武夷山), Fujian Province, China — UNESCO World Heritage Site with distinctive Danxia landform
• Roast Level: Medium-Heavy Roast (Zhōng Zú Huǒ 中足火)
• Roasting Method: Traditional Charcoal Roasting (Tàn Bèi 炭焙)
• Harvest Season & Year: Spring 2024
• Maturity Stage: Fire-rested (Tuì Huǒ 退火) and ready for immediate enjoyment; also suitable for further aging as Aged Oolong (Lǎo Chá 老茶)

Appearance & Aroma (Dry Leaf)

• Tightly twisted, elongated strips with a dark brown to greenish-brown coloration
• Dry leaf aroma presents immediate high-toned florals: gardenia (zhī zǐ huā 栀子花), osmanthus (guì huā 桂花), with underlying notes of roasted grain and subtle charcoal sweetness
• Charcoal-roasted leaves often look slightly gray-white or dusty on the surface, and you can usually pick up a clear smokiness in the dry leaf aroma.

Wet Leaf

• Leaves unfurl to reveal greenish-brown edges with reddish oxidation marks — evidence of proper Zuo Qing (做青) processing
• Wet aroma intensifies: dominant gardenia with honeyed sweetness and a clean, roasted undertone; no off-notes or muddiness
• Leaf integrity remains high across multiple infusions, demonstrating quality raw material

Liquor Color

• Bright amber to deep gold with excellent clarity and a slight orange hue
• The soup is orange-red and translucent.

Mouthfeel

• Medium-full body with notable structure and "grip" — what connoisseurs describe as "bone" (gǔ 骨)
• Silky texture with a penetrating quality that coats the palate
• These teas are cherished for their balance of floral, fruity, mineral, and umami flavors, supported by fine tannin structure and strength.

Core Flavor Notes

• Primary: Gardenia, osmanthus, honeysuckle
• Secondary: Roasted almond, toasted grain, subtle cocoa
• Tertiary: Wet stone minerality, caramelized sugar, faint citrus peel
• The charcoal roast adds layers of depth without masking the cultivar's inherent high-fragrance character

Empty Cup & Finish (Hui Gan / Returning Sweetness)

• Persistent hui gan ("returning sweetness," a lingering sweetness in the throat) and unmistakable yan yun ("rock feeling," a sense of minerality).
• Empty cup retains intense floral nectar aroma for extended duration
• Finish is long, clean, and evolving — florals give way to mineral and subtle roasted sweetness

Body Sensation (Chaqi / Tea Energy)

• Warming sensation that radiates from the chest; gentle perspiration may occur
• Promotes mental clarity and calm alertness
• Chaqi Intensity: 4/5 — Pronounced and grounding without being overpowering

What does Huang Guan Yin 105 taste and smell like?

Huang Guan Yin 105 is celebrated for its exceptionally bold, "sky-piercing" fragrance (tòu tiān xiāng 透天香) — an aromatic intensity inherited from its Huang Jin Gui (Golden Osmanthus) parent. Upon opening the pouch, you will immediately detect powerful gardenia and osmanthus florals, layered with hints of honeysuckle and sweet grain. When brewed, the liquor presents a bright amber color and delivers a medium-full body with notable structure. The charcoal roasting process integrates the high-toned aromatics into the tea soup itself, so rather than experiencing fragrance and taste as separate elements, you encounter a harmonious fusion. Expect a silky mouthfeel, flavors of roasted almond and subtle cocoa, and a distinctive mineral backbone — the hallmark Yan Yun (rock resonance) of authentic Wuyi terroir. The finish is long and evolving, with a pronounced Hui Gan (returning sweetness) that lingers in the throat. This is a tea where the aroma grabs you instantly, but the roast-enhanced depth rewards continued exploration across many infusions.

Why is 105 less famous than Da Hong Pao, Shui Xian, or Rou Gui?

While Da Hong Pao, Shui Xian, and Rou Gui have centuries of documented history and legendary status, Huang Guan Yin 105 is a relatively recent cultivar, officially approved only in 1998. More importantly, 105 has long served as the "secret weapon" in commercial Da Hong Pao blends — prized for contributing explosive fragrance to blended teas rather than being showcased as a single-origin offering. Many tea drinkers have unknowingly enjoyed 105's aromatic magic within blends without realizing its contribution. This behind-the-scenes role means 105 sacrificed its own fame to elevate others. However, serious tea enthusiasts increasingly seek out single-origin 105 precisely because of its unique aromatic profile and the technical challenge it presents to tea makers. Its growing reputation among connoisseurs makes now an ideal time to experience this cultivar on its own terms.

What is the difference between Huang Guan Yin (105) and Jin Guan Yin (204)?

Both 105 and 204 are hybrid cultivars developed by the Fujian Tea Research Institute, but they have distinct parentage and flavor profiles. Huang Guan Yin (105) is a cross between Huang Jin Gui (Golden Osmanthus) as the mother and Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess) as the father. It inherited its mother's dominant "sky-piercing" fragrance gene, making 105 exceptionally aromatic with pronounced gardenia and osmanthus notes. Jin Guan Yin (204), on the other hand, has Tie Guan Yin as the mother and Huang Jin Gui as the father — the reverse parentage. This results in 204 having a more balanced profile, with orchid and osmanthus notes but a mellower, more rounded aromatic presentation. If you prefer a tea that leads with dramatic, assertive fragrance, 105 is your choice. If you prefer subtler elegance with integrated florals, explore our Jin Guan Yin 204. Both are exceptional expressions of modern Wuyi cultivar innovation.

How should I store this tea, and does it improve with age?

Wuyi rock oolongs like Huang Guan Yin 105 are excellent candidates for aging, provided they have been properly roasted — and this tea's medium-heavy charcoal roast ensures stability. Over time, as the tea ages, that smokiness mellows out and gives way to other nuanced flavors. That's why seasoned tea drinkers often say: a well-roasted oolong gets better with age. Store in an airtight container (ceramic, food-grade metal, or opaque glass) in a cool, dark, dry location away from strong odors. A common mistake is refrigerating oolong tea — avoid this, as refrigeration introduces moisture and odors that will damage the tea. Room temperature storage is ideal. If you choose to age this tea, re-roasting by a professional every few years can help maintain its vibrancy, though many enthusiasts simply allow it to evolve naturally. Whether you drink it now or cellar it for years, proper storage ensures you experience its full potential.

Gong Fu Cha Method (Recommended)

The Gong Fu method (Gōng Fu Chá 工夫茶) is essential for unlocking the full aromatic complexity and layered structure of this 105 Huang Guan Yin. Wuyi rock oolongs demand high heat and short, controlled infusions to reveal their depth.

What You Need:

• Gaiwan (盖碗) or Yixing teapot: 100–120 ml capacity
• Tea leaves: 5–7 grams (approximately 1 gram per 15–20 ml water)
• Water: Freshly boiled, 100°C (212°F) — full rolling boil is mandatory
• Timer

Pre-Warming (Critical Step):
Wuyi rock teas are temperature-sensitive; any heat loss will lock in the aromatics and prevent full extraction. Before brewing, pour boiling water into your gaiwan or teapot and cups, swirl, and discard. This ensures your brewing vessel is thoroughly heated.

Rinse (Xǐ Chá 洗茶):
Add dry leaves to the pre-warmed vessel. Pour boiling water over the leaves and immediately discard within 3–5 seconds. This awakens the leaves and removes surface dust. Inhale the wet leaf aroma from the lid — you should detect intense gardenia and roasted grain notes.

Infusion Times:

• 1st Infusion: 10–15 seconds
• 2nd Infusion: 10–15 seconds
• 3rd Infusion: 15–20 seconds
• 4th Infusion: 20–25 seconds
• 5th Infusion onward: Add 10–15 seconds per subsequent steep

A quality 105 will yield 7–10 flavorful infusions. Observe how the flavor profile shifts from high-toned florals in early steeps to deeper minerality and roasted sweetness in later ones.

Pouring Technique:
Pour from a height initially to agitate the leaves, then lower the stream. Decant completely between infusions — do not let leaves sit in water.

Note on Alternative Methods:
Boiling, extended steeping (men pao 闷泡), or cold brewing are not recommended for this tea. Oversteeping will produce excessive bitterness and astringency, while cold brewing cannot extract the roast-enhanced complexity or the mineral "bone" that defines Wuyi rock tea. Always use 100°C water for optimal expression.

Storage Recommendations

Ideal Conditions:

• Store in an airtight, opaque container (ceramic jar, food-grade tin, or double-sealed foil bag)
• Keep in a cool, dry, dark location at stable room temperature (15–25°C / 59–77°F)
• Avoid exposure to light, moisture, heat sources, and strong odors

Common Mistake — Refrigeration:
Unlike green teas, Wuyi rock oolongs should NEVER be stored in a refrigerator or freezer. The cold, humid environment introduces condensation when the tea is removed, degrading the leaves and allowing absorption of food odors. Traditional charcoal-roasted oolongs are designed for ambient storage and will remain stable for years when kept properly.

Aging Potential:
This medium-heavy roasted 105 is well-suited for aging. Over time, the roast notes will mellow, allowing deeper layers of sweetness, dried fruit, and aged complexity to emerge. If aging long-term, consider having the tea professionally re-roasted every 2–3 years to maintain vibrancy, or simply allow it to evolve naturally in a sealed container.