This Wuyi Qilan represents an excellent blend of the two branches of Fujian Oolong: 闽南 Min nan Southern Fujian and 闽北 Min Bei Northern Fujian flavors and entertains well as an daily drinker.  Spicy, bright, and fruity Southern Fujian taste and aroma profile with the treatment of a light-medium roast rock tea.

Thought to have been discovered in mid 1400s during the Ming Dynasty in Pinghe county in Southern Fujian near the provincial border, 奇兰 Qi Lan "Enchanted Orchid" is a classic cultivar that didn’t get fully celebrated until it arrived in Wuyi as late as the 1990s. Perhaps a combination of being out of the shadow of the dominant Tie Guan Yin Oolong craze that engulfs the Southern Fujian tea world as well as finding ideal complement in the processing of Rock Oolong, Qilan seems have found an ideal place in folds of the Wuyi Mountains.

Qilan motherbush in Pinghe County, Southern Fujian, estimated to be around 250 years old. Recognized and reclaimed in the 1980s.

Not in a tucked away hinterland like many others from this release, Mr. Zhang's gardens are in the more well-known 莲花峰 Lianhua Feng "Lotus Peak" pocket of Wuyi, a classic 半岩 Ban Yan "Half Cliff" locale that some consider now to be 正岩 Zheng Yan "Genuine Cliff" part of the core of the scenic park.  Mr. Zhang is a talented young tea producer whose Qilan bushes are 26 years of age, grown at an elevation of 400 meters.  Already a favorite amongst friends for easy casual enjoyment.