Often in tea enthusiast circles, one hears the terms "Horse Meat" and "Beef," which might immediately bring to mind the images of a horse and an ox. Those less versed in tea knowledge who take this literally would certainly be confused and left scratching their heads.

Ma Tou Yan Rou Gui (Horse Head Rock Cassia)

Before understanding these two teas, we must first know about Wuyi Rou Gui (Cassia). Rou Gui tea has been known for over 100 years and is now a fine product among Wuyi Rock Teas. Wuyi Rou Gui is a famous tea named after the Rou Gui (cassia) tea plant variety. The finished tea has tightly rolled, dark greenish-brown leaves, and its aroma is pungent and spicy. A common saying among tea lovers for identification goes: "This brew has a pronounced cassia bark flavor, it's Rou Gui; that one is mellow and smooth, it's Shui Xian."

Teas from different plantations and geographical origins are not the same. In Wuyi Mountain, there are thousands of varieties of Wuyi Rock Tea alone. "Horse Meat" and "Beef" both belong to the category of Wuyi Rou Gui teas. Those who study Wuyi Rock Tea inevitably know of the "Three Pits and Two Streams"—Hui Yuan Keng, Niu Lan Keng, Da Keng Kou, Liu Xiang Jian, and Wu Yuan Jian—which are also the traditional Zheng Yan (true rock) production areas of Wuyi Mountain.

Niu Lan Keng Rou Gui (Ox Pen Ravine Cassia)

"Beef" is the abbreviated name for Niu Lan Keng Rou Gui; "Horse Meat" is the abbreviated name for Ma Tou Yan Rou Gui. These two rock teas are distinguished by their different production areas. Niu Lan Keng Rou Gui has a sweet fragrance, retains its aroma even after eight infusions, and offers a taste that is sweet, mellow, thick, and strong, with a quick, refreshing sweet aftertaste and a powerful "rock rhyme" (Yan Yun). "Beef" is considered a treasure that is difficult to buy even with money.

The unique topography of Ma Tou Yan creates the distinctive taste profile of Ma Tou Yan Rou Gui. It features a sharp, spicy cassia bark aroma paired with a smooth, sweet, and moist口感, along with a long-lasting floral and fruity fragrance. Its刺激 is moderate, leaving a long and memorable aftertaste.

Both "Beef" and "Horse Meat" have their own differences in taste, and of course, neither of these tea products comes cheap.