Oolong TeaTaiwan

Hong Shui Oolong Tea

Red Water Oolong

FruityHoneyedSmooth

Hong Shui ('red water') oolong is a traditional Taiwanese style with higher oxidation than modern green oolongs, pushed toward 40–50 percent.

Oolong TeaFloral · Roasted · Complex
Medium body
Tea TypeOolong TeaFloral · Roasted · Complex
OriginVarious, Taiwan
OxidationHighRoast: Low
BodyMedium
CaffeineMedium30–50 mg / cup

Flavor Profile

What does Hong Shui Oolong taste like?

Hong Shui ('red water') oolong is a traditional Taiwanese style with higher oxidation than modern green oolongs, pushed toward 40–50 percent. The rolled leaves brew a deeper amber cup with ripe fruity sweetness, gentle honey notes, and a smooth, thick body — closer to a light black tea in color but with oolong's signature aromatic lift. It represents the older, pre-1980s Taiwanese oolong profile.

Flavor NotesStrongest first
Fruity5 / 5
Honeyed4 / 5
Smooth3 / 5
Malty2 / 5

Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.

Origin

Various, Taiwan

Hong Shui style recalls how most Taiwanese oolongs were made before the modern light, green style became dominant.

Island origin celebrated for high-mountain and roasted oolongs.

Various, Taiwan

Brewing Guide

How to Brew Hong Shui Oolong

Tea Amount3 g
Water250 ml
Temperature90–95°C
Steep1–2 min
Re-steep3–6 times

Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.

Caffeine

Caffeine in Hong Shui Oolong

Medium

Typical brewed serving

30–50mg per cup

Hong Shui Oolong is a medium-caffeine oolong tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 30–50 mg of caffeine.

Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.

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FAQ

Hong Shui Oolong Tea FAQ

Quick answers about Hong Shui Oolong tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.

What is Hong Shui Oolong tea?

Hong Shui ('red water') oolong is a traditional Taiwanese style with higher oxidation than modern green oolongs, pushed toward 40–50 percent. It is also known as Red Water Oolong.

Does Hong Shui Oolong tea have caffeine?

Yes. Hong Shui Oolong is a medium-caffeine tea, typically 30–50 mg per brewed serving.

What does Hong Shui Oolong tea taste like?

Hong Shui Oolong is known for a profile led by Fruity, Honeyed, and Smooth, with a medium body.

How do you brew Hong Shui Oolong tea?

Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 90–95°C, steeping for 1–2 minutes. It can be re-steeped 3–6 times.

Is Hong Shui Oolong tea bitter?

Bitterness is not a defining note of Hong Shui Oolong; its profile centers on Fruity, Honeyed, and Smooth.