Hand-made Xiao Qing Tie Guan Yin from autumn leaves in Gan De.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2022 Autumn · Tie Guan Yin oolong (Anxi) · our A+++ grade · 20g to 500g
- Dry leaf: Tightly rolled, semi-ball shaped leaves, as is typical for this kind of oolong.
- Aroma: An orchid-like floral fragrance.
- Taste: Sweetness like mountain spring water, balanced with a medium sourness and a solid tea flavor.
- Mouthfeel & body: Refreshing, with a lasting mouthfeel.
- Good to know: Zheng Wei, Xiao Qing and Tuo Suan are the three best-known TGY processing styles. Xiao Qing sits in the middle: thicker and a little more sour than Zheng Wei, less than Tuo Suan, so it suits drinkers who already enjoy TGY.
- Best for: Everyday drinking. A good Tie Guan Yin oolong to keep on hand, including for beginners.
Brewing Guide
- Warm a gaiwan or small teapot and add about 5–6g of leaf per 100ml.
- Use water at about 95°C (203°F).
- Give the leaves one fast rinse.
- Start with 10 seconds for the first infusion so the leaves can open, then 5–10 seconds, then add roughly 5 seconds per round.
- Decant fully into a fair cup each time.
Treat these as a starting point and adjust to your taste.
Storage
Zip the bag tight and keep it in the fridge to protect the fresh fragrance. Let it warm to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
About the Leaf
You may see some of these; they vary from bag to bag:
- Some fine pieces: normal for rolled oolong and harmless.
- Leaves open up a lot: the rolled leaves expand to whole leaves, so a small amount fills the pot.
