Horse Meat (US Stock)

2026 Horse Head Rock Rou Gui (Ma Rou) | Wuyishan Zhengyan Rock Oolong Tea

Bold, assertive, and wonderfully fragrant, Horse Head Rock Rou Gui (马头岩肉桂, affectionately nicknamed "Horse Meat" or Ma Rou) is one of our favorite rock oolongs from Wuyishan. Grown in the prized Horse Head Rock (Ma Tou Yan) micro-region, this tea is known for its distinctive mineral character, warming roast, and generous aromatics.

Expect layers of cinnamon spice, woody oak, rich caramel, and delicate orchid florals, all wrapped in a bold, lingering finish. If you enjoyed the little yellow packs in our Horse Year Tea Mail earlier this year, this is that very same tea! However, the 2026 spring harvest is even brighter and more fragrant, thanks to the sunnier days during the growing season. Master Lin rated this year's tea a 9/10, compared to last year's 8/10. Which cracked me up, because I already thought last year's was near-perfect.

For those who enjoy a bold, full-bodied oolong with plenty of character, this is one to savor. A wonderful tea to wake up the senses and bring strength to your day.

Tea Specs

NOTES Cinnamon, Oak, Caramel, Orchid, Bold & Mineral-rich

ORIGIN Horse Head Rock (Ma Tou Yan), Wuyishan, Fujian, China

PICKED May 2026 (Spring Harvest)

CAFFEINE Yes

Brew Instructions

We recommend brewing this tea Gongfu style in a Gaiwan or small Yixing teapot, allowing the leaves to gradually reveal their layers of flavor over multiple infusions.

Gongfu Brew (Gaiwan): 9g | 150ml | 98°C | 5 sec | +5 sec for additional brews | Can steep ~12 times

Farm Story

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic cliff landscapes, Wuyishan is home to some of China's finest teas. Within Wuyishan National Park, Horse Head Rock (Ma Tou Yan) is one of the most prized micro-regions for growing rock oolong. Its unique terroir gives the teas a distinctive mineral character, often accompanied by warming spice and rich, complex aromatics.

Our Horse Head Rock Rou Gui is crafted by Master Lin, whom I first met during my visit to Wuyishan in 2019. We've stayed in touch ever since, and I've been patiently waiting for the right moment to share his incredible tea with you.

Since we first met, Master Lin has gone on to earn the prestigious title of Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor for Dahongpao, a recognition held by only 46 people. The selection process was exceptionally rigorous, taking an entire year and involving multiple rounds of applications and assessments. It's a tremendous honour and recognition of his dedication to preserving and carrying forward the craft. Having tasted his teas over the years, I'm not surprised he made it!

After years of keeping in touch, it was especially meaningful to return to Wuyishan this autumn, hike up to Horse Head Rock, and sit down with Master Lin to taste his top teas of the year. This year's Rou Gui was a particular highlight. Brighter, more fragrant, and beautifully balanced, it's a wonderful display of the Horse Head Rock terroir and Master Lin's craftsmanship.