Tongxinshe Teahouse has been deeply immersed in Wuyi rock tea for many years, always adhering to the original aspiration of seeking authentic core rock tea and selecting rare fine cultivars. This time, we have partnered with Wuyishan Gangyan Tea Factory to present tea lovers with Matou Rock Beidou—a tea of exceptional tasting and collection value, allowing every tea enthusiast to truly appreciate the unique charm and verve of this classic authentic Wuyi rock tea cultivar.
Matou Rock is a treasured land in the core producing area of genuine Wuyi rock tea. Its Danxia landform creates rocky gravel soil, surrounded by gurgling mountain streams, with ideal sunlight exposure and temperature difference between day and night. Such uniquely endowed terroir nurtures rock tea with inherent refreshing rock bone and rich floral fragrance. Growing right here, the rare classic cultivar Beidou becomes all the more extraordinary.
As one of the top ten traditional famous cultivars of Wuyi rock tea, Beidou boasts an extremely precious pedigree. It was carefully bred by veteran tea artisans from the mother bush of Da Hong Pao, recognized as a direct descendant of the legendary Da Hong Pao. In its genetic lineage lie the mellow depth and elegant charm of a premium ancient cultivar. This pure rare strain demands harsh growing conditions and poses great difficulty in propagation, resulting in very few genuine products circulating on the market. Furthermore, it is only cultivated in limited sunny slopes of Matou Rock, with raw materials from this core mountain yielding an extremely modest annual output.
Adhering strictly to the intangible heritage traditional craftsmanship of Wuyi rock tea, Gangyan Tea Factory adopts whole-artisan processes for leaf withering and shaking, and conducts slow charcoal roasting following ancient methods. Pursuing no mass production and no blending whatsoever, the factory preserves the most authentic mountain aroma of the tea. Stringent standards applied to both raw materials and craftsmanship further highlight the rarity of Matou Rock Beidou, making every brew truly precious.
Upon opening the tea sachet, the dry tea leaves appear tightly twisted, robust and glossy with a warm lustrous sheen. Gently pinching the leaves reveals their substantial texture. A deep woody aroma mingles with mild glutinous fragrance, faintly layered with subtle charcoal-roasted sweet notes—understated, refined, and free of frivolity. When hot water is poured in, the tea aroma bursts forth instantly. At the first infusion, the lid gives off a high, clear fragrance, where sharp cinnamon notes intertwine with elegant orchid scent in distinct layers. A lingering milky aroma settles at the bottom of the cup, revealing delicate fruity sweetness when cooled. The rich aroma sinks perfectly into the tea liquor.
The tea infusion is bright orange-red with a fine golden ring along the cup edge. It delivers an immediate rich, smooth and velvety texture with a well-balanced weighted sensation on the tongue. The distinctive bold rock rhythm of Matou Rock unfolds distinctly, as the refreshing mineral essence spreads gently across the palate. An initial subtle spicy hint fades quickly, transforming into a complex harmony of caramel sweetness, plum rhyme and milky roasted notes—warm, lasting, and never dry or harsh.
After swallowing, a rapid sweet aftertaste stimulates constant salivation, with a refreshing lingering charm lingering in the throat. The steady, restrained tea energy flows gently throughout the body, embodying the ultimate essence of "rock bone and floral fragrance" inherent to authentic core rock tea. Even after multiple infusions, the liquor remains sweet and full-bodied, with faint orchid fragrance and enduring rock rhythm, boasting excellent infusion resistance.
After several rounds of brewing, the tea leaves unfurl evenly and supplely, with distinct reddened leaf edges and resilient texture. The characteristic "toad back" texture is fully visible, fully testifying to the exquisite roasting craftsmanship and rich internal quality.
Crafted by Gangyan Tea Factory, this Matou Rock Beidou integrates noble cultivar pedigree, premium core mountain terroir and meticulous artisan craftsmanship, standing as a rare treasure among rock teas. It is perfect for quiet solo tasting to savour the spiritual beauty of Wuyi’s landscapes, for sharing with close friends over tea conversations, or for careful collection to await maturation over time.
As a medium for tea culture, Tongxinshe Teahouse presents this rare delicacy from Matou Rock of Wuyi Mountain. We sincerely invite all tea lovers to embrace the charm of rock tea and savour the timeless elegance of this distinguished ancient cultivar.