Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) — Floral Oolong

Tie Guan Yin: The Iron Goddess of Mercy. One of China's most revered oolong teas, Tie Guan Yin originates from Anxi County in Fujian Province. It is semi-oxidized and carefully rolled into tight, jade-green pellets, which slowly unfurl during brewing to release a profoundly complex aroma and taste. This tea is celebrated for its unique processing that captures both the freshness of green tea and the depth of black tea, yet stands distinctly apart.

Flavour Profile & Legendary Character
Tie Guan Yin offers a rich, fragrant, and evolving sensory experience:

• Aroma: Highly aromatic, with prominent floral notes (orchid, lilac), sweet honey, and sometimes a hint of roasted nuts or minerality.
• Taste: Smooth, clean, and refreshing, with a sweet, lingering aftertaste (Hui Gan). It has a full-bodied texture with no astringency. The infusion is a clear, vibrant golden-yellow.
• Appearance: Tightly rolled, dark jade-green pellets, often with a silvery sheen; unfurls into large, glossy leaves.
• Origin: Anxi County, Fujian Province, China.

A Symbol of Beauty and Fortune for the New Year
Gifting Tie Guan Yin is an act of elegance and respect, symbolizing beauty, prosperity, and good fortune. Its captivating aroma and smooth, calming taste make it a perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings, offering a moment of serene indulgence amidst the holiday cheer. This tea is often appreciated for its complex layers of flavour that reveal themselves over multiple infusions.

Brewing Guidelines
Use water slightly below boiling (195–205°F / 90–96°C). Tie Guan Yin truly shines when brewed using the Gongfu method. Rinse the leaves quickly once, then steep for short, successive infusions (10–20 seconds initially). This tea offers an impressive longevity of 5–8 high-quality infusions, each revealing new nuances.