Bamboo Forest № 2 (Tieguanyin)

Facts

In the 1990s, a group of Taiwanese visionaries seeking pristine lands discovered an untouched area on Yunnan’s Cangshan Mountain, 2,300 meters above sea level. Rich in humus and organic matter, this land became the foundation for their ideal of cultivating wild tea with minimal human interference. Bamboo Forest № 2 is a traditional charcoal-roasted Tieguanyin, crafted from authentic Tieguanyin tea trees. The leaves are oxidized to 40 – 50 % and roasted over longan wood charcoal with medium to heavy roasting.

Source

This tea is crafted by a Taiwanese tea master specializing in traditional longan wood charcoal roasting. With over 20 years of Buddhist practice and two published books on tea, the master approaches tea roasting with a philosophy of "non-ego," derived from Buddhist teachings. Instead of imposing personal aesthetics or intentions onto the tea, he focuses on observing and enhancing the tea's inherent qualities. Charcoal roasting is used not to embellish but to refine and reveal the tea's natural essence. The result is a tea with a nuanced texture that feels as though it resonates deeply within the cells — light yet full-bodied, intricate yet harmonious.

Flavor Profile

Bamboo Forest № 2 features the signature “Guanyin Yun” (Tieguanyin rhyme) and a distinct ripe fruit aroma. It carries a firm and bold character, with a fascinating transformation from initial bitterness to sweetness when brewed strongly. Beneath its layered flavor complexity lies a solid grounding from the land, yielding a smooth and rounded mouthfeel without astringency. Eight to nine years of aging have added a calm and mature personality to the tea. The charcoal roast is prominent yet perfectly harmonized, enhancing the tea’s depth without overpowering its natural qualities.

Drinking Suggestion

This Tieguanyin is ideal for quiet, introspective moments — whether enjoyed alone or shared with a companion in contemplative silence. It embodies the essence of a meditative philosopher, inviting you to reflect on your inner self. Each sip reveals a sense of tranquility and the beauty of solitude, fostering a momentary reconciliation between yourself and the world.

Gongfu Style

Use 5 – 5.5 g of tea leaves with 100 ml of water at 100° C. Steep for 40 seconds initially, increasing subsequent infusions by 5 – 10 seconds.

Western Style

Use 3 g of tea leaves with 500 ml of water, steeping for 3 – 5 minutes.

Why We Share This Tea

Bamboo Forest № 2 holds a special place in my heart. To me, it is a profoundly spiritual tea that has guided me through moments of introspection, helping me confront my vulnerabilities and shadows. Over the years, this tea has been a companion at various stages of my life, adapting to the environments it has been stored in and transforming in unpredictable ways. Its evolution mirrors the changes in my own journey, and though it may no longer taste exactly as I remember, isn’t that what makes it truly fascinating?

Key Information at a Glance

Cultivar • Tieguanyin

Type • Tieguanyin Oolong

Origin • Cang Shan, Yunnan, China

Elevation • 2.300 m

Farming Method • wild-farmed

Harvest • spring 2017, hand-picked

Oxidation • heavy

Roasting • heavy charcoal roasted

Age of Tree • around 20 years