Product Overview
The qilin is a legendary hooved chimerical creature that appears in Chinese mythology and is said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler. Qilin is a specific type of the lin mythological family of one-horned beasts.
Yu Qilin is a famous cluster of nine dragon nests native to Wuyi Mountain. It is named after the tea tree that looks like a Qilin. The Yu Qilinbark is grayish-white, the branches are slightly curved, the leaves are oblong, emerald green, shiny, and the quality is excellent. Every year in early or mid-May the fresh spring leaves are plucked. The pluck is typically 2 leaves to 1 bud or 3 leaves to 1 bud. The tea is then withered in the sun for an hour or so, then rolled to break up the leaf’s structure, releasing enzymes. Then fermentation process is undertaken. The rolled tea is put into baskets and a wet cloth is placed on top to boost and maintain the humidity level. The tea sweats for 5 or 6 hours and then is roasted. The roasting process is done with fire at a temperature of about 70C. The roasting process halts the oxidation process. This roasting process is completed within 4 to 6 hours and then the tea is allowed to cool a bit before being roasted a second time with a lower temperature and shorter time interval.
Yu Qilin is known for its soft texture and unusually gentle nature. The cup is peachy red with notes of chocolate and toasted nuts. The flavor is delicate and crisp, with a very clear aftertaste. There is also a pleasant reminder of its flowery note, lingering after each sip.
Brewing Guide: Place one teaspoon per cup into an infuser, filter or teapot. Switch the kettle off, before it boils, when you hear the water rumbling. Add the hot, but not boiling, water and infuse for 3 minutes. Serve immediately or remove leaves to prevent spoiling.