If you’ve ever found yourself chasing the mineral whispers of Wuyi rock teas, or quietly wondering what the mountains taste like after a rain, then let me suggest something—Shi Ru (石乳), also known as “Stone Milk” Oolong. I picked mine up from Path of Cha, a vendor I trust for quality and integrity, and brewed it the way I always do—with my gaiwan, quietly, slowly, using the Gong Fu Cha method that gives a tea room to speak.

Shi Ru is not an everyday oolong. It’s rare, even among Wuyi Yancha, and it’s not flashy. No perfume, no fruit basket. What it is, is dignified. Rooted. Old in the best way.

From the first rinse, there’s a sense of presence—mineral-rich, as though the rocks themselves have leached their memory into the leaves. The flavor is full-bodied and creamy, yes, but not like dairy or dessert. It’s a subtle richness, more like stone-polished silk. There’s a sweet depth that appears after the second steeping, and the signature Yan Yun—the so-called “rock rhyme”—is unmistakable. If you’ve ever tried a Rou Gui or Shui Xian and loved the finish, imagine that, but quieter and more refined. Less cinnamon, more earth and bone.

I steeped it about seven times before the energy began to taper. Each infusion brought something new—wetter stone, osmanthus hints, a trace of toasted rice. By the third or fourth steep, it lingered in the throat and chest like a memory. The energy is grounding but alert. No jitters, just clarity.

Shi Ru dates back to the Tang dynasty and was once favored by the royal courts of the Song and Yuan dynasties. And I believe it. It has that imperial poise. It’s not trying to impress—it just is.

Should you try it?

If you’re just beginning with Wuyi oolongs, this might be a quiet place to start—perhaps too quiet. But if you already love the layered, mineral complexity of rock teas and are looking for something uncommon, something that doesn’t shout but insists, gently, on being remembered—then yes. Absolutely. Set aside an unhurried morning or late afternoon, warm your gaiwan, and give this one the space to charm you. and if you can't find honey and you wanna come visit Louisville, Kentucky let me know and I'll put aside a session just for you!