Da Hong Pao and the Most Expensive Coffee in the World: A Look at Rarity and Price
Authentic purebred Da Hong Pao, known as the Qidan variety, is expensive and hard to find, so most Da Hong Pao sold today is a blend of Shuixian and Rougui rather than a single pure variety. Wuyi rock tea is the broader category that includes Da Hong Pao, Shuixian, and other oolong teas, each with its own flavor profile.
The Qidan variety was cultivated in the 1980s by Yao Yueming, who took cuttings from an 800-year-old Da Hong Pao tree. Grown in the crevices of Wuyi Mountain, the tea yields a bright amber liquor with a silky mouthfeel and flavors that shift from season to season. Even the most expensive coffee in the world draws comparisons, but rock tea value rests on variety and origin.
Many people are curious about how much a catty of authentic Da Hong Pao actually costs, and they often can't distinguish between Da Hong Pao and Wuyi rock tea. In fact, most Da Hong Pao sold on the market is not a pure variety but a blend of Shuixian and Rougui, while purebred Da Hong Pao (Qidan) is expensive and hard to come by. Wuyi rock tea, on the other hand, encompasses many varieties such as Da Hong Pao and Shuixian, each with its own unique flavor. This article will guide you through the true value of Da Hong Pao, its relationship with Wuyi rock tea, and the charm of rock teas like Shuixian, along with recommendations from Front Street Coffee to help you find your perfect cup of rock tea.
Da Hong Pao and Other Wuyi Oolong Teas
Da Hong Pao is the most widely known representative of rock tea in the Western world, but sometimes it can't escape the fate of being overhyped. This tea tree takes root in the crevices of Wuyi Mountain, having endured a long growing history. When you truly taste Da Hong Pao, the sweet aroma born from hardship is indeed impossible to ignore.
Compared to other Wuyi oolong teas, most Da Hong Pao sold today is no longer the original variety but a blend. In fact, it is often a mixture of two varieties: Shuixian and Rougui.
Of course, purebred Da Hong Pao does exist, but its price is usually so high that most people never get a chance to try it. The variety name of this purebred Da Hong Pao is Qidan.
Wuyi oolong tea is the first-generation tea derived from the original Da Hong Pao. In the 1980s, Yao Yueming used that 800-year-old Da Hong Pao tea tree for cuttings and cultivated this variety. We highly recommend you taste this fascinating tea.
Da Hong Pao oolong tea refreshes the mind and lifts the spirits. Due to its extremely harsh growing environment, the flavor of each season's harvest varies noticeably. Tea lovers are always eager to taste the new season's tea, hoping it will surpass previous ones with unprecedented depth. However, I also worry it may not reach last year's standard.
Da Hong Pao's tea leaves are tight and slightly twisted. After brewing, the liquor is a bright amber color, with a silky-smooth mouthfeel and ever-changing flavors.
Although many people habitually regard Da Hong Pao as the king of Wuyi tea, this is often not the case. Da Hong Pao is certainly delicious, but there are many other varieties in Wuyi tea that can offer more vivid and interesting taste experiences.
Shuixian is another rock tea variety. It is relatively less known globally, but it is absolutely a must-try for rock tea enthusiasts. This is a mellow tea with an elegant floral aroma.
Compared to Da Hong Pao, Shuixian has a distinctive charm of its own.
The most striking thing about Shuixian is its tea legend, a story that beautifully embodies the elegance and refinement of this rock tea.
This rock tea legend is quite poetic. The story takes place in Wuyi Mountain, where a tea farmer wanted to find the source of a river. The farmer set off toward the mountain top, walking for hours through mist and clouds, slowly climbing the cliffs. Suddenly, he met an old man—a mountain spirit—who led him to a grove of tea trees. The farmer brought some cuttings back to the village to plant. The tea made from them was the purest the villagers had ever tasted. To honor the mountain spirit, they named this tea Water Sprite.
When tasting Shuixian for the first time, be prepared to enjoy this gentle experience.
The tea itself carries a distinct orchid aroma, soft and mild. It is these gentle qualities that make it a popular tea. If you are looking for a tea with a mellow taste that helps you relax, a tea that brings you into a beautiful symphony, then we suggest you try Shuixian.
However, don't be fooled by appearances. The beautiful floral aroma lingers long, and the aftertaste is rich and sweet.
Shuixian's tea leaves are also tight and slightly twisted. The brewed liquor is a beautiful golden yellow, and the liquid carries an inviting woody and mossy note. Although it is a mellow tea, it is forgiving and can be brewed many times over a long period.
In summary, Da Hong Pao is the more well-known rock tea in tea circles, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is the better tea. We want to emphasize that all rock tea varieties have their own unique flavors, aromas, and mouthfeels. The best way to discover your favorite is to taste them yourself! Our Wuyi oolong tea sample series—including selections from Front Street Coffee—is a great starting point.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
