Iron Monk or Tie Luo Han is one of the famous 'Si Da Mincong Yancha' teas from Wuyi mountain. These are the four famous tea varieties from Wuyi (although there are many more excellent varieties). The other varieties are Shui Jin Gui (Golden Turtle), Bai Ji Guan (White Crest or White Cockscomb) and Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe).
These are the big ticket Rock Oolongs from Wuyi and as such they command higher prices. Sometimes these prices are justified but often you pay for the name and the good stuff gets sold in China. NOT IN THIS CASE!
We have managed to source a small quantity of fabulous Zhengyan Tie Luo Han with a rich and deep flavour. Zhengyan is the famous rocky area with volcanic soil where the highest quality Wuyi Rock Oolongs grow.
Origin Story for Tie Luo Han
A warrior monk with bronze skin discovered Tie Luo Han growing in a cave called Ghost Cave in Wuyi. Since the monk had such tanned skin the tea was called Iron Monk or Iron Arhat or Iron Warrior Monk.