Wuyi Shuilian Cave Rougui (Monkey Meat Rougui) — Traditional Charcoal-Roasted Wuyi Rock Oolong

Cinnamon-Like Spice, a Rich Mouthfeel & a Lingering Finish

Discover Wuyi Shuilian Cave Rougui, also known as Monkey Meat Rougui, a traditional-style charcoal-roasted oolong made from the Rougui (肉桂) cultivar in Wuyi, Fujian, China. Known for its cinnamon-like aromatic character, Rougui offers a distinctive way to explore the depth and complexity of Wuyi Rock Tea, also called Yancha (岩茶).

The name “Monkey Meat Rougui” is a nickname associated with this tea, not an ingredient. This tea is intended for drinkers who enjoy roasted oolong, warming spice, and the layered flavors that can develop through gongfu brewing.

Tea Information

• Chinese Name: 武夷山水帘洞肉桂

• Pinyin: Wǔyí Shān Shuǐlián Dòng Ròuguì

• English Name: Wuyi Shuilian Cave Rougui (Monkey Meat Rougui)

• Tea Type: Wuyi Rock Tea (Yancha)

• Cultivar: Rougui (肉桂)

• Origin: Wuyi, Fujian, China

• Harvest Date: September 28, 2026

• Tea Master: Liu Guoying

• Roasting Style: Traditional-style charcoal roast

What Makes Shuilian Cave Rougui Worth Exploring?

Rougui is one of the recognizable cultivars associated with Wuyi Rock Tea. Its characteristic cinnamon-like aroma, together with the influence of processing and roasting, creates a tea that can be explored across multiple infusions.

Shuilian Cave, also known as Water Curtain Cave, is a well-known place name in the Wuyi region. The exact growing plot and its classification should be confirmed through supplier documentation when precise site provenance is important.

This tea is presented as a traditional-style charcoal-roasted Rougui. Rather than relying on a single flavor description, try following how the roasted aroma, spice, mouthfeel, and finish change as the tea opens through successive infusions.

For more background, read Why Do So Many People Love Rock Tea?.

Explore the Twelve Zodiac Rougui Series

Monkey Meat Rougui is associated with the distinctive naming tradition used for the Twelve Zodiac Rougui series. These names offer a way to explore different Wuyi Rougui teas and the stories associated with their identities.

Read the full introduction in our article: Twelve Zodiac Rougui: Wuyi Rock Tea.

If you enjoy comparing cultivars, aromas, and roasting styles, you can also explore our Oolong Tea Collection.

Flavor & Tasting Notes

The following notes are a guide to the expected tasting experience. Actual aroma and flavor may vary with the batch, water quality, teaware, and brewing method.

• Dry Leaf: Dark, twisted leaves with warm roasted and cassia-like aromatic notes.

• Aroma: Cinnamon-like spice layered with toasted-grain and roasted notes.

• Liquor: Amber to orange-amber, depending on leaf quantity and infusion time.

• Mouthfeel: A rounded, satisfying texture when brewed to the desired strength.

• Finish: A lingering impression of spice and sweetness that may become more noticeable as the tea cools.

How the Flavor Develops

First infusion: Notice the initial roasted aroma and warming spice. Keep the infusion short to avoid overwhelming the cup.

Middle infusions: As the leaves open, explore how the cinnamon-like character, roasted notes, and mouthfeel interact.

Later infusions: Increase steeping time gradually to discover what remains in the aroma and flavor. The number of satisfying infusions depends on the tea and your brewing preferences.

To understand how roast affects the character of oolong, read Light and Dark Roasted Oolong: Key Flavor Differences.

How to Brew Shuilian Cave Rougui

Rougui is well suited to gongfu-style brewing, where small amounts of water and short infusions let you follow the tea's changing character.

Gongfu Brewing — Recommended

• Tea: 6–7 g

• Vessel: 100–120 ml porcelain gaiwan or small teapot

• Water Temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)

• Rinse: Optional quick rinse; discard the water

• First Three Infusions: Start with approximately 5–10 seconds each

• Later Infusions: Increase by 3–5 seconds at a time, adjusting to taste

These timings are starting points rather than strict rules. If the tea tastes too strong or drying, shorten the infusion. If it tastes weak, adjust the leaf-to-water ratio or extend the steep slightly.

Western-Style Brewing

• Tea: 3–4 g

• Water: 250 ml

• Water Temperature: Approximately 95°C (203°F)

• First Infusion: Start with 2 minutes, then adjust to taste

• Re-steeping: Try additional infusions with gradually longer steeping times

For more detailed instructions, see our Oolong Tea Gongfu-Style Brewing Guide.

Storage & Care

Store your tea in a clean, airtight, opaque container in a cool, dry place. Keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, strong odors, and excessive heat.

Avoid refrigerating the tea unless it is professionally packaged for refrigerated storage. When handling the leaves, use dry utensils and reseal the container promptly after each use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monkey Meat Rougui?

Monkey Meat Rougui is a nickname used for this Shuilian Cave Rougui product. The tea itself is made from the Rougui oolong cultivar; the nickname does not indicate that the tea contains meat or added flavoring.

What type of tea is Shuilian Cave Rougui?

It is presented as Wuyi Rock Tea (Yancha), a Chinese oolong tea made from the Rougui cultivar and traditionally associated with a cinnamon-like aroma.

How should I brew Monkey Meat Rougui?

For gongfu brewing, start with 6–7 g of tea in a 100–120 ml gaiwan, using 95–100°C water and short initial infusions. Adjust the steeping time according to taste.

How is charcoal-roasted Rougui different from lightly roasted oolong?

Charcoal roasting can contribute deeper toasted aromas and a more pronounced roasted character. The final profile depends on the leaf, processing, and roast. Compare styles in our guide to Light and Dark Roasted Oolong.

How can I learn more about Chinese oolong tea?

Start with our Chinese Oolong Tea Guide for an introduction to oolong tea styles, cultivars, and brewing.

Discover More Wuyi Rock Tea

Explore the character of Rougui through its cinnamon-like aroma, traditional-style charcoal roast, and evolving gongfu infusions.

• Read: Twelve Zodiac Rougui — Wuyi Rock Tea

• Learn: Main Types of Chinese Oolong Tea and How They Differ

• Browse the Oolong Tea Collection

Discover more traditional Chinese oolong teas at MoriMa Tea.