Collection: Wu Long (Oolong) - Yan Cha (Cliff Tea)
Yan cha, AKA Cliff tea, is a sub-category of Wu Long (Oolong) tea. Wu Yi Yan Cha represents the pinnacle of Min Bei (northern Fujian) Wu Long. The mantra for yan cha is "rock bone and floral fragrance." While all Wu Longs are floral, the "rock bone" of yan cha refers to a highly desired "molten stone" mouth feel and long mineral finish. The leaves are heavily roasted to achieve a signature dark and bold aroma and taste. The hottest tea among Chinese connoisseurs, the most prized yan cha comes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wu Yi Shan.
Within the limit of this scenic region, the terroir is called Zheng Yan (True Cliff). The immediate surrounding area is Ban Yan (Half Cliff), while the high mountain region two hours away is Gao Shan (high mountain). Zheng Yan terroir is further divided into many mini-plots, and each demands its high price and offers connoisseurs a unique taste of the land. In our selection, most of the yan cha are Zheng Yan teas with the micro-terroir name listed.
Dive deeper into yan cha here | Learn about brewing here
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