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TAN BEI TIE GUAN YIN

AGED CHARCOAL BAKED IRON GODDESS OF MERCY
WULONG
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING

Xianghua, Anxi, Fujian, China

Tieguanyin, also known as Iron Goddess of Mercy, is one of China's most celebrated oolongs, renowned for its complex flavors and aroma. Hailing from the Anxi County in Fujian Province, this tea has a rich history and distinct characteristics that contribute to its status among tea connoisseurs worldwide. MORE

AROMA
Tobacco, Roasted
TASTE
Woody, nutty, creamy

CULTIVAR: Tie Guan Yin
HARVEST: Spring, 2019

AGED CHARCOAL BAKED "IRON GODDESS OF MERCY"

ABOUT
Tieguanyin, also known as Iron Goddess of Mercy, is one of China's most celebrated oolongs, renowned for its complex flavors and aroma. Hailing from Anxi County in Fujian Province, this tea has a rich history and distinct characteristics contributing to its status among tea connoisseurs worldwide.

The origins of Tieguanyin can be traced back to the 18th century during the Qing Dynasty. According to popular legend, a poor farmer discovered a dilapidated temple dedicated to Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy) in the Anxi region. He decided to restore the temple, and as a gesture of gratitude, Guanyin appeared to him in a dream, instructing him to cultivate a special tea. Following her advice, the farmer produced a uniquely fragrant tea, later recognized as Tieguanyin. Tea gained popularity, and by the 19th century, it had become widely traded, reaching international markets and introducing many to its exquisite flavor. In the late 1800s, Tieguanyin was refined further, and several production techniques were developed, enhancing its quality. Over the years, it has garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its place in Chinese tea culture.

This version of Tieguanyin is not to be confused with the more contemporary Qing Xiang Tieguanyin (Light Aroma) or even Traditional Nong Xiang. This tea embodies the traditional (old-style) Tieguanyin, which is known for its more nuanced flavor profile. It's this delicate essence that sets it apart, making it a must-try for any tea enthusiast.

ORIGIN
Anxi County is located within Fujian Province in southeastern China and is characterized by its mountainous terrain and subtropical climate. The elevation, soil composition, and weather conditions create an ideal environment for tea cultivation. The region’s distinct microclimates vary in temperature and humidity, allowing for the diverse growth of tea plants. The tea gardens are typically located at altitudes between 600 and 1200 meters (approximately 2000 to 4000 feet), which helps to produce high-quality leaves. The soil, rich in minerals and organic matter, contributes to the unique flavors and aromas found in Tieguanyin.
Anxi is also well-known for its picturesque scenery, including terraced tea fields surrounded by lush forests and streams. This unspoiled environment enhances the quality of the tea and attracts tourists who wish to experience tea culture firsthand.

ORGANOLEPTICS
For me, this tea is a wonderful reminder of how fashion changes and the production technologies within the tea industry and culture. This tea is an excellent representative of old-school wulongs and a great reminder of why the Tie Guan Yin cultivar has won the hearts of millions of Chinese tea lovers. Fragrant, deep, and intense, this tea immerses you in an atmosphere of harmony and tranquility.

The dry tea leaves have a bright, baked, roasted aroma. Notes of black bread, roasted seeds, and tobacco are present. When warmed, the tea leaves reveal a deep baked aroma with smoky, long, sauna-like nuances. After rinsing, the aroma unfolds with woody, mineral, and bready notes. With subsequent infusions, the fragrance harmoniously shifts toward nutty and woody tones.

The tea tastes soft, sweet, and deep, with woody and mineral notes, a creamy texture, and sweet honey undertones in the aftertaste. The flavor is complex and multifaceted, revealing new shades and nuances with each infusion. Seaweed, tobacco, cognac, leather—the list could go on and on. This tea's creaminess, smoothness, and floral qualities subtly play with our associations and taste receptors, turning the tea ceremony into an extraordinary olfactory journey of aromas and flavors.

You'll find a bright, sweet, sugary fragrance in an empty teacup with notes of wild berries and creamy custard. This wonderful tea can provide a highly diverse tea experience depending on the brewing methods used. This tea offers many infusions, where each new round brings something new. Throughout the entire tea ritual, its aroma and taste become deeper and softer, capable of captivating not only seasoned but also young connoisseurs of fine tea.
CHINA CLASSICS
Try one of the best Chinese classics from AN SHIM TEA COLLECTION