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Shui Hsien Oolong

Wikipedia: Shui_Hsien_tea 
Last Updated: Apr. 11, 2012 

About Shui Hsien Oolong

Loose-leaf oolong with dark purple-olive wrinkly, wholly-intact leavesLoose-leaf Fujian Rain (Shui Xien Oolong) From Adagio Teas, Photo © Rebecca Siegel, CC BY 2.0.
Shui hsien(水仙), also spelled shui xian, usually translated water sprite or water fairy, but also meaning narcissus, is a style of oolong tea originating in the Wuyi mountains of Fujian province, China.

The shui hsien produced in Wuyi can be among the darkest of the Wuyi oolongs. Zhangping, however, in southern Fujian also produces greener (less oxidized) shui hsien.

Shui hsien, like the other Wuyi oolongs, is often brewed in the Gong Fu style, using multiple brief infusions. Shui is sometimes aged for as long as decades.


Recent Shui Hsien Oolong Reviews — RSS rss icon

71 / 100
Picture of Old Tree Shui Hsian

Old Tree Shui Hsian from Harney and Sons

Style: Shui Hsien Oolong – Region: China
May. 28th, 2017

The dry leaf has an interesting shape, loosely curly, less long and wiry than most Wuyi oolong. It's intensely aromatic, smelling like roast and fruit; the fruitiness is quite astounding, it's maybe a little like dried peaches or apricots.

The brewed cup is very roasty, with notes of wood and hints of coffee. It's...

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43 / 100
Picture of Zhang Ping Shui Hsian Oolong

This one is actually currently available.
I ordered 2 15g samples about a month ago. The fact I still have some left is a clue as to what I think about it :)

I admit to buying this because it's a unique brick oolong. I also figured that given the high price it should be good.
I've since learned that price is not...

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63 / 100
Picture of Shui Xian Oolong Tea

Shui Xian Oolong Tea from Arbor Teas

Style: Shui Hsien Oolong – Region: Fujian, China
Jun. 7th, 2013

Very dark brown leaf, rather broken up, smells mainly of roast when dry.

Produces a surprisingly clear, almost-greenish infusion.

Aroma complex, but only when I pay attention to it deliberately; it's not attention-getting. This tea seemed forgettable if I drank it casually, but had a lot going on when I focused ...

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73 / 100

The dry leaf of this oolong looked and smelled heavily roasted, and frankly, smelled more than a little boring to me. But when I brewed this cup, I was pleasantly surprised.

The aroma is complex and a bit edgy--there are some fairly strong skunky, herbaceous qualities, tones of celery, and a few floral tones in the...

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77 / 100
Picture of Zhang Ping Shui Xian, Traditional Greener Style

This was a fascinating tea for me to try. It was completely unlike any other oolong I've tried. The loosely-packed leaves separate easily and infuse quicker than I'd expect for their tough texture. After steeping I noticed that the larger leaves are mostly whole, but the smaller leaves and buds are mostly broken. I...

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Most-Rated Shui Hsien Oolong

Picture of Hand-Processed Wuyi Shui Xian Grade I

Hand-Processed Wuyi Shui Xian Grade I

Brand:Life in Teacup
Style:Shui Hsien Oolong
Region:Wuyi, Fujian, China
Caffeine:Caffeinated
Leaf:Loose
1 Rating
Picture of Shui Xian Oolong Tea

Shui Xian Oolong Tea

Brand:Arbor Teas
Style:Shui Hsien Oolong
Region:Fujian, China
Caffeine:Caffeinated
Leaf:Loose
1 Rating
Picture of Old Tree Shui Hsian

Old Tree Shui Hsian

Brand:Harney and Sons
Style:Shui Hsien Oolong
Region:China
Caffeine:Caffeinated
Leaf:Loose
1 Rating
No image of this tea

'Wu Yi' Water Fairy Oolong

Brand:Upton Tea Imports
Style:Shui Hsien Oolong
Region:Fujian, China
Caffeine:Caffeinated
Leaf:Loose
1 Rating
No image of this tea

Zhang Ping Shui Xian, Charcoal Roasted

Brand:Life in Teacup
Style:Shui Hsien Oolong
Region:Zhangping, Fujian, China
Caffeine:Caffeinated
Leaf:Loose
1 Rating

Top-Rated Shui Hsien Oolong

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