Phoenix Shui Xian (鳳凰水仙, Fènghuáng Shuǐ Xiān, "Phoenix Water Immortal") - is one of the foundational teas in the history of oolong genetics. Descended from Amanita, which in turn descends from Wulong, Shui Xian is considered to be the ancestor of the classical Phoenix Oolong tea cultivars, known as the ten "Fragrance Types".
While we normally source our Phoenix Shui Xian from tea master A Long, this year we decided to acquire some from one of our other Phoenix Mountain tea masters, Lin Yao Bin, because he also produces Wulong and Amanita. This allows us to have the full lineage of Phoenix oolong tea ancestors made by the same master, allowing the differences and similarities between these teas to shine through.
Less flashy than its descendants, Shui Xian has an indistinct floral aroma with a sweet, honey-like aftertaste that lingers in the mouth. The dry leaf has notes of fresh pita bread and toasted sesame, with sweet, floral, jammy highlights in the wet leaf.