In this article, I will review a Zhangpin Shui Xian tea from DiginTea which they call their ‘Local Show Guest Star’ Oolong Tea Brick.
Tea Specifications
Brand: DiginTea
Tea: Local Show Guest Star Oolong Tea Brick
Tea Varietal: Shui Xian
Origin: Zhangpin, Fujian, China
The natives in Zhangping believe that the famous Taiwanese Baozhong tea is an evolution from Zhangping Shui Xian, as it allegedly shares some processing techniques.
The term ‘Shui Xian’ is most often translated as ‘water immortal’, ‘water sprite’, or ‘water fairy’, but can also be translated to ‘narcissus’, referring to the narcissus flower.
For those of you interested in mythology, ‘Narcissus’ (a translation of Shui Xian) was also the name of a hunter in Greek mythology who was so in love with himself, that he became mesmerized upon seeing a reflection of himself in a pool of water. As the legend goes, he ended up staring at his reflection in the pool of water, unable to break his stare until his inevitable passing. Some say that this is where the term ‘narcissism’ came from.
Review
Amount of Tea: 6 Grams
Brewing Vessel: Small Glass Pitcher
Type of Water: Distilled Water
Rinse Time: 20 Seconds
Steep Time: 30 Seconds – 40 Seconds – 60 Seconds
This is a nice tasting tea with a strong floral fragrance.
Notes of green vegetation, honeysuckle, custard, and cashew.
A slight pear note develops later on.
It’s sweet enough on it’s own that you will probably find that honey or sugar is not needed.
The leaf quality seems decent, as it is comprised mostly of full leaves with attached stem and minimal damage.
Flavor notes: Green vegetation, honeysuckle, custard, cashew, and pear, with a mild astringency.