Qi Lan “rare orchid” oolong
The spring 2023 version of this delightful rock style oolong is here and oh, my goodness, is it delicious!
Qi Lan translates to “rare orchid” and compared to a more roasted oolong like our Big Red Robe, has softer notes and little roasty flavor. You’ll find subtle floral notes along with hints of almond, minerals, chocolate. The tea liquor is thick, sweet and smooth with a little woodsy overtone, perfect for cooler days. Incredibly satisfying and well-balanced, we truly enjoy the rich aroma and deep flavor. A must-try oolong, capable of 5 to 10 infusions!
Hailing from Wu Yi, an area in which chemicals sprays are prohibited, this tea is very clean, expertly processed and possesses a clear and vibrant energy that only Wu Yi oolongs can provide. Be ready to have this tea become a regular part of your tea times for it is tremendous!
Additional Info
We highly recommend doing one rinse of 5-10 seconds (at 195-200ºF) and then beginning with 15-20 second infusions for a bit before slowly increasing steeping time. It is not unusual to get 7 to 10 steepings out of this tea when prepared gongfu cha style.
Brewing Instructions:
Oolong tea should be given a 5 to 10 second rinse with the same temperature water as used for brewing. This warms the pot and primes the leaf, readying it for optimal flavor extraction. 195-205˚ F water temperature.
Use 1 teaspoon per 8oz. of filtered water
Recommended first steeping of 30 seconds. Add 30 seconds for each subsequent infusion up to 3 minutes.
Tea brewing is meant to be a joyful exploration. There are no hard and fast rules. Experiment with the quantity of tea that you use, and steeping times. Enjoy discovering what your preferences are. They may change day to day.