Wuyi Yi Xian Tian Zheng Yan Bei Dou

Beidou is a Wuyi tea that I have grown to appreciate deeply. This Bei Dou tea hails from the core Zhengyan terroir of Yi Xian Tian within the Wuyi Mountain Scenic Reserve. As an independent varietal, Bei Dou is now often presented in its pure form, simply showcasing its unique woody aroma. With purity and simplicity, it highlights the tea’s inherent rich and full-bodied liquor. Deeply imbued with a refreshing yet profound character, Bei Dou reveals its charm through careful tasting—an experience both intriguing and delightful.

Aroma and Appearance

The dried Bei Dou leaves are robust, their deep brown hue occasionally catching a glimmer of chestnut. Picking up a handful, you notice the defined veins, their texture exuding strength and character. Even before steeping, a sweet caramel aroma greets you—gentle, warm, and rich with time’s embrace. A slight stir releases delicate orchid notes, airy and serene, like a blossom tucked into a hidden valley. Yet, the true soul of this tea lies in its woody fragrance—profound and enduring—evoking ancient forests and whispering tales of Wuyi’s timeless mountains and streams.

Flavor and Texture

The liquor shimmers in hues of amber and golden-orange, as if light itself has been captured in your cup. The first sip is a revelation—full-bodied and velvety, reminiscent of a rich rice wine brewed with orchids. The sweetness of caramel subtly emerges, followed by a lingering orchid aroma that enchants without overwhelming. At the heart of its flavor lies that signature woody note: deep, steady, and resonant, grounding the experience in a comforting complexity. The tea’s texture is both gentle and substantial, gliding across the palate with a softness that leaves a lasting impression, its aftertaste rich with sweetness and umami.

A Sophisticated Experience

Drinking Bei Dou tea feels like conversing with history itself. Its woody essence is like an ancient storyteller, narrating the saga of Wuyi’s red cliffs and clear waters. The orchid fragrance dances lightly, like a hidden flower blooming in the crevice of a rock, carrying the elegance and resilience of its lineage. This tea is not bold in its declaration but carries a quiet strength, its beauty unfolding sip by sip.

Whether enjoyed in solitude on a still afternoon or shared among close friends, Bei Dou embodies a refined elegance. It is a companion that soothes the spirit, offering both serenity and profound depth—a true testament to the heritage of Wuyi rock tea.

Key Details

• Origin: Wu Yi Shan, Yi Xian Tian, Fujian Province
• Altitude: ~350m above sea level
• Harvest: Spring 2023
• Varietal: Bei Dou

Suggestions

• Teaware: Pin Zi Ni, Qing Shui Ni, Duan Ni, or Hei Ni clay pots
• Water Temperature: 90–95°C
• Storage: Best enjoyed now but can be stored cool and dry for 5–7 years
• Food Pairing: Excellent with fig tarte or a Japanese Soy Sauce Braised Fish (Nitsuke).