Steep Stories

Tag: wulong

  • A Tie Guan Yin Flight from Taiwan

    Tie Guan Yin is one of the most interesting takes on oolong ever developed. Despite its ancient-sounding name—invoking the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Guan Yin— the “Iron Goddess of Mercy” only dates back to the 19th century. Hailing from Anxi county, in Fujian province, China, this complicated style of oolong originally began its life as a…

  • A Tea Pairing from One Wuyi Artisan

    For those that have tuned in to my li’l corner of “the In-Tea-Net”, folks can tell I have an affinity for talking about where the tea comes from. I have focused a lot of text-space to estates, gardens, factories, and the farmers that supply their wares to them. Less frequent, though, are my forays into…

  • Rethinking Tea Categories

    Editor’s Note: This is merely a thought exercise by the author. The opinions reflected in the below narrative do not reflect the opinions of the teaware on staff . . . or this editor, for that matter. Seriously, I just work here, guys. A thought occurred to me over the years. No one has come…

  • Da Hong Pao: My Old Nemesis

    Seven Days of Seven Cups, Day 7 – “Da Hong Pao: My Old Nemesis” Da Hong Pao (“Big Red Robe”) . . . my old nemesis . . . we meet again. Now, I’ve gone on record several times over the years as saying that Da Hong Pao was one of my least favorite oolongs.…

  • Lao Cong Shui Xian Oolong . . . or Wulong

    Seven Days of Seven Cups, Day 6 – “Lao Cong Shui Xian Oolong . . . or Wulong” A thought occurred to me while I was doing this Wuyi oolong-fueled, seven-blog stretch. I haven’t once referred to “oolong” as “wulong”. Granted, I never do, but it’s a particular sticking point here . . . because…

  • Searching for the Cinnamon in Rou Gui

    Seven Days of Seven Cups, Day 5 – “Searching for the Cinnamon in Rou Gui” Rou Gui holds the distinction of being the first—and a long time ago, only— Wuyi oolong I liked when I first got started. Of course, in the last year or so, my palate has since Stockholmed its way into acceptance…

  • Tie Luo Han: The Iron Monk Oolong

    Seven Days of Seven Cups, Day 4 – “Tie Luo Han: The Iron Monk Oolong” This interesting oolong derives its name—Tie Luo Han, which means “Iron Monk”—from old legends linked to a particular cave. I couldn’t even find a picture of this legendary cave, and—believe me—I looked. All that came up were Mindcraft photos. So,…

  • Ba Xian: Oolong of the Eight Immortals

    Seven Days of Seven Cups, Day 3 – “Ba Xian: Oolong of the Eight Immortals” Ba Xian literally means “Eight Immortals” in Chinese. The name refers to the tea plant cultivar used to create this particularly odd Wuyi oolong, but it also has a legend attached to it. Don’t they all? The name is a…

  • Bai Ji Guan or White Rooster Crest

    Seven Days of Seven Cups, Day 2 – “Bai Ji Guan or White Rooster Crest” Bai Ji Guan—translated as “White Rooster Crest”— earns its name from the color and shape of its leaves. They’re rather yellow and crest-like. According to legend, an old rooster died near a place called Hui Yan Rock. The locals buried…

  • Orchids in My Oolong

    I’m used to running into an oolong I’ve never heard of. It’s kind of my thing. But finding next-to-no information on a particular style of oolong is my greatest joy . . . and biggest pet peeve. It all started when I was put into contact with this guy. This is Jeff Kovac of Four…