In China, highest grades of Tieguanyin oolong are prized and often presented as gifts. These lots are judged not only on taste and aroma, appearance plays a very big part in the rating. Once a lot is processed, variations in leaf size and broken leaves are removed from the prized lot. That leaf, however, retains its lineage – a top grade, finest of the harvest, offering wonderful flavors and aroma. Knowing this process, we have purchased these “castaway” leaves as they are truly wonderful in taste. Our name, Little Monkey Tieguanyin, speaks to the size of the leaves as they tend to be smaller and even broken after rolling. In the steep, you will find a highly aromatic and flavorful Tieguanyin oolong.
Lot Notes. We purchase oolongs from this farm annually. Note the leaves vibrant, fresh green coloration. Light and aromatic notes emanate from the freshly harvested leaves. Harvest date is April 2024.
Tea Facts. Our "Little Monkey" Tieguanyin was grown in the AnXi Region in southern Fujian Province. The region's terrier - soils, shape of the rolling hills and terraced mountains, altitude, the proximity to the sea, ample rains and mists, create an optimum environment for cultivating this oolong.
Tasting Notes. As the leaves steep, they slowly open to release a lush, light-green-yellow liquor. Taste is often described as floral and buttery. Notes are softly sweet, with a mouth feel that will linger and delight in its complexity.
Brewing Suggestions. We recommend 3 grams for 6-8 ounces of water. Use boiling water, rinse the leaves briefly and pour the water off. This will "awaken" the leaves. Then re-infuse and steep for two minutes. Optimum water temperature is 195° plus. Drain the water off the leaves between infusions and they should easily provide 4-5 steeps!
OOLONG TEA
3 grams/1 teaspoon per 6 ounces of water
195° - 205° F
2 Minutes
Oolong leaves are large. Once plucked, they are either rolled and lightly oxidized (Tieguanyin style) or are long and crafted to a reddish-brown color (Dan Cong style).
Tieguanyin is shades of green, almost blue. Its infusion opens to an aroma of lilies of the valley with a mouthfeel of gentle vegetal notes as it develops into a buttery, floral finish. Dan Cong is aromas of brown sugar and candied fruit. The mouthfeel is strong and full-bodied with a sweet, refreshing finish. In steeping, first rinse the leaves briefly to awaken them. This steep can be enjoyed for aroma. The second steep releases precious flavors. Multiple steeps are the norm for oolongs as they are complex and layered.