Botanical Dossier
Shui Jin Gui vs Tie Luo Han
Shui Jin Gui
Oolong Tea · China
Roasted · Fruity · Mineral
Tie Luo Han
Oolong Tea · China
Roasted · Mineral · Woody
| Attribute | Shui Jin Gui | Tie Luo Han |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Fujian (Wuyi) | Fujian (Wuyi) |
| Flavor | Roasted · Fruity · Mineral | Roasted · Mineral · Woody |
| Body | Strong | Strong |
| Caffeine | Medium (~30–50 mg) | Medium (~30–50 mg) |
| Oxidation | High | High |
| Roast | Medium | High |
| Brewing temp | 95–100°C | 95–100°C |
| Steep time | 1–2 min | 1–2 min |
| Re-steep | 3–6 times | 3–6 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
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.
Tie Luo Han
Tie Luo Han is one of the four famous Wuyi bush teas, named for the Arhat bodhisattvas. The leaves are dark and heavily roasted, giving a cup that is bold and structured: dark mineral, roasted grain, and a firm woody backbone with a long, warming finish. It is less fruity than Da Hong Pao and more austere, rewarding patient steeping with growing depth and a clean mineral aftertaste.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Shui Jin Gui
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Tie Luo Han
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Shui Jin Gui
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Tie Luo Han
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
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.
Tie Luo Han
China · Fujian (Wuyi)
Tie Luo Han has grown in the Wuyi mountains since the Song dynasty and is one of the oldest named rock teas.
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 Shui Jin Gui if you like:
- Roasted
- Fruity
- Mineral
Choose Tie Luo Han if you like:
- Roasted
- Mineral
- Woody
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
