ABOUT
2019 Tan Bei Tieguanyin is a traditionally roasted wulong tea produced in Anxi County, within China. It is made from the Tieguanyin cultivar and follows a classical processing approach that emphasizes both controlled oxidation and subsequent roasting. The 2019 production year allows the tea to express a more integrated and mature profile compared to freshly made examples.
The production includes withering, shaking, partial oxidation, fixation, rolling, and drying, followed by the defining “tan bei” (charcoal roasting) stage. This roasting is carried out with precision, often in multiple cycles, to gradually develop depth and stability without overwhelming the natural character of the leaf. The process transforms the fresh floral profile into a more rounded and warm expression, adding layers of roasted, nutty, and lightly caramelized notes.
2019 Tan Bei Tieguanyin occupies a distinctive position within the wulong category as a more traditional and mature style. It is valued for its smooth texture, structural balance, and the integration achieved through both roasting and aging. The tea offers a refined expression where depth and warmth are harmonized with clarity and controlled sweetness.
TERROIR
2019 Tan Bei Tieguanyin is cultivated in the mountainous region of Anxi County, located in China. The area is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with abundant rainfall, frequent mist, and moderate temperatures, creating stable conditions for tea cultivation. These factors support slow and balanced leaf development, allowing the Tieguanyin cultivar to fully express its aromatic potential.
The terrain consists of rolling mountains with well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in minerals and organic matter. These soils provide a balanced nutrient environment, supporting steady plant growth without excessive vigor. This contributes to the density and structural integrity of the leaves, which is essential for both oxidation and subsequent roasting.
Microclimate plays a defining role, with diffused sunlight, cloud cover, and consistent humidity regulating photosynthesis. This environment supports a balanced composition of amino acids and polyphenols, forming a stable foundation for further processing. Compared to more exposed regions, these conditions help preserve aromatic clarity while allowing the development of underlying depth.
Another important aspect is the interaction between terroir and processing. The quality and composition of leaves grown in Anxi directly influence the outcome of both oxidation and the “tan bei” roasting stage. This coordination ensures that the final tea expresses both the characteristic floral base of Tieguanyin and the depth and warmth introduced through traditional roasting techniques.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf is tightly rolled into compact pellets, showing a darker olive to brown tone with a matte surface, reflecting both roasting and age. The aroma of the dry leaves is warm and deep, with notes of roasted nuts, toasted grain, caramel, and a soft woody nuance. In a preheated teapot, the leaves begin to open from the first infusion, releasing a layered aromatic profile where roasted and nutty tones are supported by a subtle residual floral sweetness. As the infusion develops, the aroma becomes more integrated, combining warm caramelized notes with a smooth, slightly creamy depth.
The aroma of the liquor is rich and rounded, with a harmonious combination of roasted, nutty, and lightly sweet notes. The taste is smooth and structured, with a medium to full body and a soft, slightly viscous texture. A gentle sweetness forms the core of the profile, supported by roasted grain, nutty tones, and a very mild, well-integrated astringency. The “tan bei” roasting is reflected in the depth and warmth of the tea, while aging adds further integration and stability. The aftertaste is long and warming, with a lingering sweetness and a subtle woody-caramel finish. In the empty cup after drinking, a delicate roasted and slightly sweet aroma remains, leaving a calm and mature final impression.