Like a traditional rock tea, the mineral quality is the main character here. But the soft body, subdued roast, and lingering cherry fruit flavors make this anything but predictable. Excellent in the exhale.

Harvested April 28, 2022 by Mr. Li Jilin at Da Keng Kou in the Wuyi mountains of Fujian Province – home of rock tea. It’s a one bud, three leaf pick of the Jin Mu Dan cultivar growing at approximately 2,000 feet. The second roasting was completed on November 13, 2022 using the charcoal roast method. The charcoal roast contributes to the fruitier character of this tea.

Check out “Buddha’s Cave” for another Da Keng Kou rock tea by Mr. Li.

“Da Keng Kou” is one of the famous “Three Caves and Two Streams”, a designation going all the way back to a 1751 Wuyi journal written by Dong Tian Gong. It’s a big canyon stretching from Tian Xin Rock to Chong Yang brook. There is no defined entrance to Da Keng Kou, but at the exit is a huge Buddha statue with the Chinese character for “Buddha” carved into the rock behind it. 

Ingredients: oolong tea

Steeping Instructions

4 grams | 10-12 oz water | 212°F | Steep 4 min. 

Number of Cups

2 oz makes 19 cups, 4 oz makes 38 cups