Properties
| Type | Oolong |
| Chinese | 牛栏坑肉桂 |
| Origin | Niu Lan Keng, Wuyishan |
| Harvest | Spring |
| Year | 2022 |
| Pinyin | Niú lán kēng ròuguì |
Niu Lan Keng Rou Gui
牛栏坑肉桂
We received a small amount of this tea from my mom's cousin who produces it every year. In past years we have shared it with good friends and a few people in our broader tea community. This year we decided to post it here on our shop.
Niu Lan Keng (牛栏坑) is widely regarded as the best location in Wuyishan for Rou Gui. Tea from this garden is frequently called "niu rou" - literally "beef". The name “niu rou” is a pun following a pattern which has developed for the rou gui from some famous gardens. Since rou gui starts with the character for meat (肉 / ròu) and the area is said first “niu lan keng rou gui”, the name can be shortened to “niu rou” which means beef. This is fitting since this prime garden produces excellent tea which is always in high demand.
When trying this tea I appreciated the nice looking leaves. The soup is intensely fruity and strongly clings to the tongue. The medium roast is unobtrusive and initially stays out of the way but lines the mouth and lingers. The empty chahai was very fragrant and slightly creamy.