This tea is a lighter, brighter and more fruity variety of Wuyi Rock tea. Perfect for a more refreshing drink and a great gateway tea to bring people into the wonders of Wuyi Yancha (rock Oolongs).
The Qi Lan cultivar literally means 'rare orchid' and is grown throughout south China tea provinces. It is a very fragrant variety with floral, nutty and juicy aroma. To our tastes it seems to be the merging point in terms of flavour and body, between the flowery and fruity Dan Cong Oolongs from Guangdong and the dark, rich and rocky Wuyi Oolongs from Fujian.
This has been given a light charcoal roasting so as to add length and body whilst maintaining the brightness that is so cherished in Qi Lan.
We have searched for many Qi Lan's and there is a tendency for QI Lan's to be fragrant and bright but lacking length and body - all start and no finish. This batch is different and we are really happy with the quality of the leaf - bringing the tall aromas whilst supporting them with some structure and texture.