Stone Orchid (AKA Qi Lan) Rock Oolong

SUMMARY 

Type: Wuyi Rock Oolong Tea 
Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian China

Wuyi Rock tea is a unique type of oolong tea that is only produced in the Wuyi Mountains which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for cultural, scenic, and biodiversity values since 1999. Teas grown in this region are known for their "rocky" mineral characteristics or "Yan Yun". 

WHAT IS STONE ORCHID? 

Stone Orchid Rock Oolong is made from the lesser known Qi Lan cultivar and is a lighter type of Wuyi Rock tea, with this particular one having a medium roast level.   

TASTING NOTES

A sweet, fruity flavour of mangosteen, with light floral undertones and a lightly toasted aroma. A lighter style of Rock tea, it still has those mineral-like qualities that are characteristic of this type of Oolong tea but with a more distinct fruity and floral note.

PREPARATION NOTES

The best way to enjoy Wuyi Rock tea is using the traditional Gongfu brewing such as Gaiwan or Yixing tea pot. We recommend using a greater leaf to water ratio, quicker steeps and brewing the tea at higher temperatures (approx. 93 degrees). However, all of these teas still tastes great when brewed in a teapot, western style.

 Gong-Fu style (preferred method)

 4g per 60 – 100ml of water
 93 – 95 degrees Celsius
 10 – 15 secs per infusion* (up to 8 infusions)

*First infusion is a quick 3 – 5 sec rinse and isn't drunk.

 Teapot steep

 5g per 300ml of water
 93 – 95 degrees Celsius
 2.5 – 3mins (2 – 3 infusions)

STORAGE

Proper tea storage is super important. Improper storage leads to flat, flavourless and potentially weird tasting tea. So as a rule of thumb, keep your tea leaves in an airtight container (the less air inside the better) and away from heat, light, moisture and strong odours.