Cultivar: Zheng Jian Tie Guan Yin 鐵觀音, aka Goddess of Mercy (the original cultivar)
Harvested by hand in spring 2024
Origin: NanYan, Anxi Region in the south of Fujian Province, China
Process: tightly rolled Oolong, medium slow roast for about 100 hours

Competition brew: 3 grams for 6 minutes with boiling water

1. View

The dark dry leaves are rather small and rarely contain a stem. The dark amber color brew is clear and bright. The leaves unfold well after the long brew. The open leaves have 2 characteristics of traditional Tie Guan Yin. A curved tail 歪尾 and an uneven surface that feels like frog skin.

2. The scents

The fragrances of this Zheng Jian Tie Guan Yin brew combine ripe fruit with orchid flowers. In the hot gaiwan or teapot, the dry leaves have incense scents!

3. The taste

The taste of Zheng Jian Tie Guan Yin is particularly full body. Thanks to a very structured balance of sweetness, some sourness and a light bitterness, the aftertaste of Tie Guan Yin is intense and unlike any other Oolong. That's a reason why this aftertaste is called Guan Yun, with the good meaning that one will receive a promotion!

Conclusion: Tie Guan Yin is a very popular type of Oolong in the Anxi region. In 2022, I selected a TGY from XiPing from the same roaster. This one comes from NanYan and both are interesting to compare side by side, because the XiPing soil is mainly yellow, whereas the NanYan soil is more red! This 2024 is a little bit stronger in roast as well, but the main difference in aroma and taste comes from the soil. Fascinating!

Brewing advice: Since the character of TGY is power, it's best to brew a larger amount of leaves than high mountain Oolong. They require a stronger pour to open up. Brew always with boiling water and a preheated gaiwan or teapot.

Pairing advice: TGY can replace a red Bordeaux wine. It is a good fit with goose or with fried tofu.