Botanical Dossier
Da Hong Pao vs Shui Jin Gui
Da Hong Pao
Oolong Tea · China
Roasted · Mineral · Fruity
Shui Jin Gui
Oolong Tea · China
Roasted · Fruity · Mineral
| Attribute | Da Hong Pao | Shui Jin Gui |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Fujian (Wuyi) | Fujian (Wuyi) |
| Flavor | Roasted · Mineral · Fruity | Roasted · Fruity · Mineral |
| Body | Strong | Strong |
| Caffeine | Medium (~30–50 mg) | Medium (~30–50 mg) |
| Oxidation | High | High |
| Roast | High | Medium |
| Brewing temp | 95–100°C | 95–100°C |
| Steep time | 1–2 min | 1–2 min |
| Re-steep | 4–6 times | 3–6 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Da Hong Pao
Da Hong Pao is the most famous of the Wuyi 'rock teas' (yancha), grown on mineral-rich cliffs and traditionally charcoal-roasted. The cup is deep and layered: roasted stone fruit, dark mineral, and a warm cacao-like finish with a distinctive 'yanyun' rock rhyme minerality. It is bold yet smooth, and resteeps many times with evolving character.
Shui Jin Gui
Shui Jin Gui is the fourth of the famous Wuyi bush teas, named for the golden water turtle said to guard its original bushes. The cup sits between the austerity of Tie Luo Han and the spice of Rou Gui: roasted dark fruit, warm grain, and a firm mineral structure with a surprisingly smooth, sweet finish. Medium-to-high roasting gives it a round, approachable body.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Da Hong Pao
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 4–6 times
Shui Jin Gui
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Da Hong Pao
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Shui Jin Gui
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Da Hong Pao
China · Fujian (Wuyi)
The original Da Hong Pao bushes grow in the Wuyi mountains of northern Fujian.
Shui Jin Gui
China · Fujian (Wuyi)
Shui Jin Gui is traditionally traced to a small grove of bushes in the Wuyi mountains' Niulan Keng valley.
Curator's Recommendation
Which one might you prefer?
There is no superior tea here — only distinct sensory journeys. Use your flavor memory and current mood to choose.
Choose Da Hong Pao if you like:
- Roasted
- Mineral
- Fruity
Choose Shui Jin Gui if you like:
- Roasted
- Fruity
- Mineral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
