Rock Oolong, deep fire
Tie Luo Han, 2026
Weight
Tie Luo Han, or "Iron Arhat," is one of China's famous teas and belongs to the family of Wuyi rock oolongs (Yancha, 岩茶), grown in the Wuyi Mountains (Fujian Province). It is traditionally recognized as one of the "Four Great Famous Bushes" of Wuyi alongside Da Hong Pao, Bai Ji Guan, and Shui Jin Gui.
The dry aroma reveals heavily roasted nuts, fruit-berry jam, and bread.
The first impression from the warmed aroma is the crust of dark bread toasted over a campfire. This smoky fragrance also carries hints of oriental spices and wild currants. As the tea session progresses, the aroma evolves, whisking you away to a desert camp pitched amidst hot sands, where Bedouins smoke hookah and burn incense.
Then you take a sip, and the flavor brings you right back to that toasted bread crust, feeling intimately familiar and deeply warming inside. The taste unfolds with notes of fruitwood embers, tobacco, berries, and spices. The aftertaste is quite light yet sweet, reminiscent of bread with butter and honey.
For me, getting to know this tea became a true sensory journey, a fascinating exploration of flavor, and ultimately, a return to oneself. A wonderful evening choice, both for solitary tea sessions and for sharing with friends.
- Kind
- Oolongs
- Year
- 2026
- Origin
- China / Fujian
- Locality
- Wuyi Mountains, Northern Fujian
- Tea type
- Farmer-made
Description
Tie Luo Han, or "Iron Arhat," is one of China's famous teas and belongs to the family of Wuyi rock oolongs (Yancha, 岩茶), grown in the Wuyi Mountains (Fujian Province). It is traditionally recognized as one of the "Four Great Famous Bushes" of Wuyi alongside Da Hong Pao, Bai Ji Guan, and Shui Jin Gui.
The dry aroma reveals heavily roasted nuts, fruit-berry jam, and bread.
The first impression from the warmed aroma is the crust of dark bread toasted over a campfire. This smoky fragrance also carries hints of oriental spices and wild currants. As the tea session progresses, the aroma evolves, whisking you away to a desert camp pitched amidst hot sands, where Bedouins smoke hookah and burn incense.
Then you take a sip, and the flavor brings you right back to that toasted bread crust, feeling intimately familiar and deeply warming inside. The taste unfolds with notes of fruitwood embers, tobacco, berries, and spices. The aftertaste is quite light yet sweet, reminiscent of bread with butter and honey.
For me, getting to know this tea became a true sensory journey, a fascinating exploration of flavor, and ultimately, a return to oneself. A wonderful evening choice, both for solitary tea sessions and for sharing with friends.