Also known as "Lost Robe," Bei Dou is said to have come from cuttings taken from the six Big Red Robe mother bushes of legend, which were then transplanted to Big Dipper Peak (Bei Dou Feng). Despite the legends that surround it, DNA testing in 2009 concluded that it was not genetically identical to the six mother bushes, making its true origins somewhat of a mystery.
This Wuyi cliff tea has a rich, roasted smell when dry, similar to Shui Xian. It's flavor is earthy and grounding, with a heavy old bush flavor. This wulong starts off bold and slightly bitter, sweetening in subsequent brews as its flavor begins to open up. It's lingering sweetness becomes more and more pronounced as brews progress.
Grown in Red Star Village, just a bit deeper into the Wuyi mountains past the White Cloud Zen Temple.
Most Wuyi wulongs last about 8 brews, this one possibly more given the nature of its flavor and the time it takes for it to really open up.
Price is per 50 grams/1.76 ounces