Our "Monkey Picked" Tieguanyin was grown in the AnXi Region in southern Fujian Province, a region with a rich history of cultivating award-winning, world-class Tieguanyins. The region's terroir or "soils" - the farms' altitude, proximity of the sea, shape of the rolling foothills and terraced mountains, the ample rains and mists of the coastal area, all work together to create an optimum situation for cultivating lush, rich flavors. It is now more than 17 years that we have been annually procuring teas from this farm and factory. Our lot was harvested in late April 2023.
Lot Notes. As we taste and evaluate lots, first we look for a bright, fresh leaf appearance. As well, we look for a uniformity in the size of the leaves. With this, one should find a characteristic light, aromatic note in the freshly harvested leaves. After steeping 3-4 times, the leaves have unfurled and present a deeper, more nuanced, sweet and floral flavor.
Tea Facts. Tieguanyin's are harvested later in the season than green teas, usually late April into May. This Tieguanyin classes as a rolled oolong. Processing the leaf entails anywhere from 8-16 steps in withering, abraiding the leaves, resting them, firing, rolling and firing. Each of the steps are carefully excuted to bring forth the natural flavors and aromas of these large leaves. Studies have shown that oolongs can be helpful to memory and enhance one's concentration.
Tasting Notes. As the rolled leaves steep, they slowly unfurl and release a lush, light-green-yellow liquor often described as buttery. Notes are softly sweet and floral, think orchids, with a mouth feel that will linger and delight in its complexity. Long after tasting, you will note the taste of this tea has lingered to be enjoyed yet again.
Brewing suggestions. We suggest 3-4 grams of leaf per 7-8 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 - 205F. Drain the water off the leaves between infusions. Leaves will typically provide 5-6 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.
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Delicate
I am loving this tea. Very light and delicate with a sweet aftertaste.
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Smoothly aromatic
This oolong is bright and refreshing.
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Excellent
This tea has a very pleasant vegetal taste. Low astringency and a sweet taste. The leaves unfurl into large whole leaves. Worth the money.
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Great Tasting
Bought 1/4 lb. to try and I am very happy with it. Sweet lightly floral flavor. Excellent
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delicious tea
This tea is absolutely refreshing and invigorating. Very good.
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nice tieguanyin
This is a very light floral almost green oolong. I have been looking for a place to get a good quality light oolong like this and I think Silk Road does a great job.
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Wonderful taste
This is a very fine Oolong. I was surprised how good it tasted because I was under the impression that all the best teas come from Taiwan. This one is from China and it is very good. It has a nice little "twang" and lingers a while on the tongue.
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Excellent Oolong
I have tried Drunken Concubine and Breast Flower. This is an excellent tea. Fragrant and colorful aroma with a great mouth feel. I will surely buy this one again.
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Very good Ti Quan Yin
Another very high quality tea with nice whole leaves. Makes about two good cups.