Botanical Dossier
Da Hong Pao vs Tie Luo Han
Da Hong Pao
Oolong Tea · China
Roasted · Mineral · Fruity
Tie Luo Han
Oolong Tea · China
Roasted · Mineral · Woody
| Attribute | Da Hong Pao | Tie Luo Han |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Fujian (Wuyi) | Fujian (Wuyi) |
| Flavor | Roasted · Mineral · Fruity | Roasted · Mineral · Woody |
| Body | Strong | Strong |
| Caffeine | Medium (~30–50 mg) | Medium (~30–50 mg) |
| Oxidation | High | High |
| Roast | High | High |
| Brewing temp | 95–100°C | 95–100°C |
| Steep time | 1–2 min | 1–2 min |
| Re-steep | 4–6 times | 3–6 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Da Hong Pao
Da Hong Pao is the most famous of the Wuyi 'rock teas' (yancha), grown on mineral-rich cliffs and traditionally charcoal-roasted. The cup is deep and layered: roasted stone fruit, dark mineral, and a warm cacao-like finish with a distinctive 'yanyun' rock rhyme minerality. It is bold yet smooth, and resteeps many times with evolving character.
Tie Luo Han
Tie Luo Han is one of the four famous Wuyi bush teas, named for the Arhat bodhisattvas. The leaves are dark and heavily roasted, giving a cup that is bold and structured: dark mineral, roasted grain, and a firm woody backbone with a long, warming finish. It is less fruity than Da Hong Pao and more austere, rewarding patient steeping with growing depth and a clean mineral aftertaste.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Da Hong Pao
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 4–6 times
Tie Luo Han
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Da Hong Pao
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Tie Luo Han
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Da Hong Pao
China · Fujian (Wuyi)
The original Da Hong Pao bushes grow in the Wuyi mountains of northern Fujian.
Tie Luo Han
China · Fujian (Wuyi)
Tie Luo Han has grown in the Wuyi mountains since the Song dynasty and is one of the oldest named rock teas.
Curator's Recommendation
Which one might you prefer?
There is no superior tea here — only distinct sensory journeys. Use your flavor memory and current mood to choose.
Choose Da Hong Pao if you like:
- Roasted
- Mineral
- Fruity
Choose Tie Luo Han if you like:
- Roasted
- Mineral
- Woody
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
