Keelan Qi Lan (Qilan) Rock Oolong Tea from Mount Wuyi

Highlights of Our Keelan Qi Lan Oolong Tea

• Origin and Authenticity: Sourced directly from Mituo Yan within the Wuyi Mountains, our Qi Lan Oolong Tea is cultivated in a region famed for its rocky terrain and rich mineral content, which significantly influences the flavor profile of the tea.
• Expert Craftsmanship: Each leaf of our qilan tea is carefully processed using traditional methods, including a light fire and a two-stage, 24-hour slow charcoal roasting technique that enhances the tea’s natural flavors and aromas without overpowering its delicate structure.
• Distinctive Appearance: Our Qi Lan tea features finely twisted leaves that are slender and slightly heavy, showcasing a unique shape with narrow shoulders and a fine branch body. The leaves’ deep lustrous color and red-fringed green edges speak to the quality of the processing.
• Enchanting Aroma: The intense orchid fragrance of our Qi Lan Oolong is complemented by subtle notes of bamboo leaves, creating a serene and inviting aromatic experience that is both potent and enduring.
• Rich Flavor Profile: This qilan tea delivers a smooth, full-bodied taste with a clear, orange-yellow liquor. The flavor is characterized by its sweetness and velvety texture, offering a refreshingly sweet aftertaste that is reminiscent of high-quality, floral-infused delights.
• Quality and Longevity: Qi Lan Oolong is notable for its ability to withstand multiple infusions, maintaining its exquisite flavor and aromatic intensity. This resilience highlights the qilan tea’s premium quality and makes it a cost-effective choice for consumers seeking a luxurious tea experience over several servings.

What Is Qilan Oolong Tea

Qi Lan Oolong Tea, named for its evocative aroma akin to that of a rare orchid (“Qi Lan” translates to “Rare Orchid”), is a prized variety hailing from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian, China. The name captures the essence of the tea’s distinctively floral scent, which stands out even among the esteemed Wuyi oolongs. This Qi Lan tea’s name not only reflects its sensory qualities but also emphasizes its uniqueness in the world of oolong teas, positioning Qi Lan as a distinctive choice for tea connoisseurs.

The history of Qi Lan Oolong Tea is deeply rooted in the rich tea traditions of the Wuyi Mountains, a region renowned for its oolong tea production. Cultivated for centuries, QiLan has developed a reputation for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. Historically, it has been revered by tea masters and aficionados alike, often reserved for special occasions or used as a prestigious gift. The cultivation and appreciation of QiLan reflect the deep cultural appreciation for tea in Chinese history, showcasing the artistry and heritage of traditional tea-making.

The processing of Qi Lan Oolong Tea is an art form, requiring precise craftsmanship and adherence to traditional methods. After harvesting, the leaves undergo withering under the sun and cool air to start the oxidation process. They are then lightly rolled to break the edges and enhance flavor release before undergoing a careful roasting process. This roasting is typically lighter compared to other oolongs, allowing the delicate orchid-like aroma to remain prominent. The meticulous attention to each step of processing ensures that Qi Lan retains its signature flavor and aromatic qualities, making each batch a reflection of both its heritage and the skill of its producers.

What Does Qi Lan Tea Taste Like?

Sipping Qi Lan Oolong Tea is an enchanting experience, marked by its signature orchid aroma and a delicate harmony of flavors that gently unfold with each infusion. Upon first taste, the palate is greeted with a subtle, floral fragrance that is distinctly reminiscent of orchids, evoking the sensation of strolling through a blooming garden. This initial floral note is seamlessly intertwined with a light, refreshing undertone of sweet and fruity elements, enhancing the tea’s complexity without overwhelming the senses.

As the flavor develops, there emerges a hint of mild spice, adding a layer of depth that contrasts beautifully with the tea’s inherent freshness. This spice does not dominate; rather, it complements the floral and fruity notes, creating a balanced and nuanced taste profile. The body of the tea is light to medium, perfect for those who appreciate a tea that is both refined and invigorating, without the heaviness found in some other oolongs.

The finish of Qi Lan Oolong Tea is smooth and lingering, with a sweetness that stays on the tongue, inviting you to savor the moment a bit longer. This sweetness, coupled with the persistent floral aroma, leaves a refreshing aftertaste that makes Qi Lan a delightful tea for all occasions

How to Determine the Quality of Qilan Tea

For Customers who have never tried qi lan tea, here are four tips you can follow to buy good ones:

1. Leaf Integrity and Appearance: The quality of Qi Lan Oolong Tea can initially be assessed by examining the integrity and appearance of its leaves. High-quality Qi Lan leaves are uniformly twisted and possess a consistent dark green color with a slight reddish hue along the edges, indicative of proper oxidation. The leaves should feel supple yet robust, reflecting careful handling during processing. Any presence of overly brittle or excessively torn leaves often suggests a lower quality due to rough processing or poor storage conditions. The uniformity in the size and shape of the leaves not only points to meticulous selection during harvesting but also ensures a balanced extraction of flavors during brewing.
2. Aroma Before and After Brewing: A high-quality Qi Lan will emit a distinctly floral aroma reminiscent of orchids even before brewing, which intensifies upon steeping. The fragrance should be fresh, clear, and uplifting, without any mustiness or stale undertones that could indicate age or poor storage. After brewing, the aroma of qilan tea should evolve, revealing layered notes that might include hints of sweetness or a subtle spice, all maintaining the qilan tea’s characteristic orchid scent. The persistence and evolution of the aroma with each infusion are key indicators of a superior grade Qi Lan, as they signify the leaves’ capacity to release complex scents over time.
3. Flavor Complexity and Depth: The flavor of premium Qi Lan Oolong Tea is complex and multi-dimensional. Initially, it should present a delicate balance between its sweet floral notes and a slight vegetal undertone, without any overpowering bitterness. As the qilan tea progresses across multiple infusions, it should maintain its flavor integrity, gradually unfolding subtle notes of fruit or mild spice that enhance the drinking experience. The best Qi Lan teas achieve a harmonious blend of these flavors, providing depth that stimulates the palate while retaining a smooth, clean finish.
4. Liquor Clarity and Color: The visual quality of the qilan tea liquor is a vital aspect of assessing Qi Lan Oolong Tea. A high-quality Qi Lan produces a bright, clear liquor with a vibrant yellow to light amber color, indicating proper oxidation and firing during processing. The brightness of the qilan tea should be inviting, with a luminous quality that speaks to its freshness and quality craftsmanship. Cloudiness or dullness in the liquor can suggest improper processing or aging, detracting from the tea’s overall appeal and flavor profile

Where to Buy Qi Lan Oolong Tea

At Chasourcing, our Qi Lan Oolong Tea is not just a beverage; it’s a testament to the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship that define the finest Wuyi teas. Here’s why our Qi Lan stands out:

1. Superior Leaf Selection: Our Qi Lan Oolong Tea is made from only the finest, carefully selected leaves harvested from the high altitudes of the Wuyi Mountains. This selective process ensures that only the most robust and flavorful leaves make it into your cup, providing a richer and more consistent taste with every brew.
2. Traditional Processing Techniques: Utilizing centuries-old traditional methods, our Qi Lan undergoes a gentle oxidation and light roasting process. This careful, artisanal approach preserves the delicate orchid-like aroma and enhances the sweet, floral notes inherent in the leaves, ensuring a superior flavor profile that cannot be replicated by mass production techniques.
3. Rich and Complex Aroma: The aroma of our Qi Lan is immediately captivating, marked by a profound orchid fragrance that fills the air upon brewing. This enticing scent is complemented by subtle undertones of fruit and spice, creating a sensory experience that is both refreshing and relaxing. It’s an aroma that invites repeated sips and lingers pleasantly long after the tea is gone.
4. Smooth and Elegant Flavor: Each sip of Qi Lan Oolong from Chasourcing delivers a smooth, velvety texture that coats the palate with a balanced blend of sweetness and a light, refreshing finish. The complexity of its flavor, with no hint of bitterness, makes it accessible to both new tea drinkers and connoisseurs alike, offering a sophisticated taste that is both inviting and exhilarating.
5. Visual Appeal: The liquor of our Qi Lan Oolong is a clear, bright yellow, indicative of its quality and the precision of its processing. This visual appeal is not just pleasing to the eye but also a promise of the clean, pure taste that awaits, making each cup a holistic experience of beauty and flavor.