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Oolong tea · Cassia

Rou Gui

肉桂, Rougui, cinnamon oolong

7.8/10 editor's score

A Wuyi rock oolong cultivar whose name means "cassia". Roasted and dark, with a sweet aroma that lasts many steeps.

Rock teaRoastedSpicy
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Rou Gui, top-down

What you need

3 g leafRou Gui
250 ml water95 to 100°C
Steep 2:002 steeps
LiquorDeep amber-orange
Served inYixing clay teapot

At a glance

A Wuyi rock oolong cultivar whose name means "cassia".

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit6.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpringMain picking.
Pairs withRoast duck, Dark chocolate, MushroomsLess good with delicate fish
Grown atWuyi rock slopesWuyi Mountains, Fujian
Served inYixing clay teapotSmall clay pot, tiny cups

About Rou Gui

What sources say about the taste

Sources say traditional processing gives a dark leaf and rich smell, while newer styles are fruitier 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Wuyi MountainsFujianCHINA
Region
Wuyi Mountains, Fujian 1
Name
"Cassia" 1
Developed
Qing dynasty 1
Steeps
Aroma lasts up to 7 steepings 1

More from Wuyi Mountains and China.

History and culture

Rou Gui was first developed during the Qing dynasty 1.

The Wuyi region also gives Da Hong Pao and Lapsang Souchong 2.

Editor's score

7.8/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 8.5Origin & heritage: 8.5Availability: 7.0Value: 7.5Beginner-friendliness: 6.5Versatility: 7.0Flavour 8.5Heritage 8.5Availability 7.0Value 7.5Beginners 6.5Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Rou Gui~30 to 50 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Wuyi rock teas are made in spring. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

The Rou Gui variety of Camellia sinensis 1.

How it is made
01Plucking

Mature leaves.

02Oxidation

Medium-high.

03Shaping

Twisted strips.

04Roasting

Charcoal roast.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafLong, dark twisted strips.
LiquorDeep amber-orange.
After steeping
Wet leafDark leaves with red edges.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Roast duck
  • Dark chocolate
  • Mushrooms

Best avoided

  • Delicate fish

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Traditional (dark) and lighter modern styles 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Rest heavy roasts for a few months.
  2. Gongfu brings out its aroma 1.
FAQ
Does it contain cinnamon?

No. The name means cassia, for its aroma 1.

Find it inOolong teasTeas from ChinaWuyi MountainsRock teaRoastedSpicy

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Rougui tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rougui_tea
  2. Wikipedia, "Wuyi tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuyi_tea
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.