EN
Tie Luohan, or "Iron Arhat," is one of the oldest cliff oolongs and a classic of Wuyi tea. It is a top-quality, strongly oxidized oolong grown in the north of Fujian Province, in the Wuyi Mountains, among rocks, cliffs, deep hollows and broad valleys. The word "Yan Cha" means cliff (rock) tea.
The bushes are planted on specially arranged terraces in rock crevices and hollows; such plantations are called pot-type gardens (盆栽式茶园). Tie Luohan is made from the tender leaves of the cultivar of the same name, growing on Hui Yuan Cliff (慧苑岩) in the area known as "Inner Demon Cave," also called the "Honey Nest" (蜂窠坑). The walls of the gorge nearly close together here, and only a small stream supplies the bushes with moisture.
The tea is named after the arhats, people who reached the highest spiritual development in the Buddhist tradition. According to one legend, a monk named Ji Hui lived in the Hui Yuan monastery and devoted his life to growing tea. After reaching enlightenment, he shared the secrets of picking and processing with the farmers, who named the cultivar in his honor: "iron" for the monk's steadfast character.
Characteristics
- Type: strongly oxidized oolong
- Region: Wuyi, northern Fujian Province, China
- Cultivar: Tie Luohan ("Iron Arhat")
- Origin of the raw material: Hui Yuan Cliff
- Flavor: rich, multifaceted, with a bold aroma
Aroma and Taste
Dry leaf: a bold, deep aroma of cliff oolong.
Infusion: a rich, multifaceted flavor with the characteristic "cliff rhythm," full-bodied and invigorating.
Aftertaste: long, unfolding from infusion to infusion.
Why You'll Love It
- Invigorating, which makes it a good choice for an active morning or afternoon.
- Suits connoisseurs of rich, deep teas and lovers of Wuyi oolongs.
- Stands up to many infusions, showing new shades.
How to Brew
Gongfu brewing (short infusions; gaiwan or small teapot):
- 6–7 g of tea per 150 ml
- water at 90–95 °C
- first infusion about 10 s, then add 5 s each time
Western-style brewing:
- 3 g of tea per 200 ml of water at 90–95 °C
- steep for 3–4 min
Storage
Store in a tightly closed jar in a dry place, away from light and strong odors.