Harvest Time: 2020 Spring Harvest
Location: Yan Zi Ke
Cultivar: Jin Mudan
Elevation: 700m
Processing: low fire roasted oolong
 
This rare Jin Mu Dan is a genuine Zhengyan (正岩) cliff tea, sourced directly from Yan Zi Ke (燕子窠), a celebrated micro-region nestled within the core protected area of the Wuyishan National Scenic Reserve in Fujian Province, China.
 
Yan Zi Ke is part of the Zhengyan zone, widely regarded as the “true cliffs” of Wuyi, where the most prized rock oolongs (Yancha, 岩茶) are cultivated.  The Zhengyan terroir is famous for its mineral-rich, rocky soil, high humidity, and misty microclimate, all of which contribute to the signature “yan yun” (岩韵)—a distinct, lingering mineral-sweet resonance that is highly sought after in Wuyi cliff teas.
 
Jin Mu Dan (金牡丹), meaning Golden Peony, is a modern cultivar, developed in the 1970s by the Fujian Tea Research Institute. It’s the result of an intentional cross between Tie Guan Yin (铁观音) and Huang Dan (黄旦)—two famous cultivars known respectively for their floral elegance and brisk, creamy character.
 
While Jin Mu Dan is still considered a relatively new entrant in the world of Yancha, when grown in true Zhengyan soil like Yan Zi Ke and processed using traditional techniques, it produces a tea that rivals older, more established cultivars in both depth and complexity.