Tie Luo Han
Regular price
$24.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Control humidity: Avoid storing tea in conditions that are either too dry or too humid.
Keep it cool: Store tea in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep in mind that display cabinet lights can also produce heat.
Protect from light: Avoid using transparent containers whenever possible.
Limit exposure to air: Keep tea well sealed and avoid opening the container more often than necessary.
After we receive your order, we will process your package within 48 hours and hand it over to our international shipping partner. We will also send your tracking number by email. At this stage, tracking information may not be available yet.
Once the shipping partner receives the package, it usually takes 1–3 days (excluding Sundays) for them to process and dispatch it. Tracking information will begin to update after the package has been dispatched.
Delivery usually takes around 7–18 days from the date of dispatch.
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What are the “roots” of Rooteas?
Family-made
Wuyi Yancha is what our own family makes in Wuyishan, and it is the tea we work with most closely. We know the growing areas and tea plants firsthand, as well as the decisions that go into processing and roasting. For the small number of other teas we carry, we work with tea-making families we know personally and whose work we know well.
Single-origin
Wuyi Yancha carries the influence of where it is grown. Wuyishan has a particular growing environment shaped by its rocky terrain, soil, climate, sunlight, and moisture, and these conditions are an important part of what makes Wuyi Yancha what it is. Together with cultivar, processing, and roasting, they all play a part in the aroma, texture, and overall character of the finished tea.
Transparency
We try to keep the information about our teas simple and clear. We share where each tea comes from, what tea plant it is made from, and how it was processed and roasted, so you have a clear idea of what you're drinking.
- Name: Tie Luo Han
- Chinese Name & Pinyin: 铁罗汉 tiě luó hàn
- Type: Wuyi Rock Oolong
- Origin: Wuyishan, Fujian
- Harvest Time: Spring, 2025
- Roast Level: Medium-full fire ("zhōng zú huǒ", "中足火")
Click to learn more about our roast levels
- Producer: Xiao Family
- Tasting note: Chinese herbal note, Dark chocolate, Roasted barley, Grounded and steady
The first couple of infusions have light notes of roasted barley and wood. As the leaves open, a deeper Chinese herbal note gradually comes through, along with a mild bitterness. After swallowing, the bitterness fades into a light sweetness that stays on the tongue. The liquor is full-bodied and deep.
Tie Luo Han naturally has thicker leaves and a stronger structure, so it tends to suit a deeper style of processing rather than a light, aroma-focused one. A more thorough charcoal roast at medium-full fire works with this natural strength, bringing out the fuller body and deeper herbal character that become more noticeable as the tea opens.
The Legend of Tie Luo Han
A monk at Huiyuan Temple gained fame through his renowned tea-making abilities. The tea he made combined an enchanting aroma with sweet flavors that were rich. Those who consumed the tea experienced heightened clarity and alertness. Everyone nearby loved his tea.
The monk possessed dark skin and powerful muscles which gave him a statue-like appearance of an arhat (a Buddhist guardian figure). His powerful build led locals to name him "Iron Arhat".
While walking along a rocky cliff one day he discovered a special tea tree growing in the cliff's crevice. The tree reached great heights and exhibited strong branches that were pale yellow. The tea tree's fuzzy buds possessed a cotton-like texture while giving off a pleasant scent. The young leaves were picked by him and then he returned to the temple where he prepared rock oolong tea from them.
He extended an invitation for everyone in his neighborhood to taste his newly made tea. "What’s the name of this tea?" they asked. Unable to provide an answer to their question about the tea’s name, he shared the story of how he found the tea tree with them.
After hearing his story, the villagers decided: Because he found the tree and created the tea we should give it the name ‘Tie Luo Han’ (Iron Arhat) which represents our strong monk. The tea received its designation which reflects both the monk’s essence and the mountain’s offering.
Tea: 8g
Gaiwan: 110–150ml
Water Temperature: 100°C / 212°F
(When possible, use spring water, purified water, or good-quality mineral water. Avoid using very hard water)
Use flash steeping (pour out the tea in about 3s). Do not oversteep. As the flavor begins to fade, extend each infusion by 5–10s as needed.
Note: Be sure to pour out the tea soup completely after each infusion. Do not let it sit in the gaiwan.
(Adjust the tea amount and steeping time to suit your own taste.)
