Zheng Jian Tie Guan Yin, spring 2022

Oh joy! The traditional Iron Goddess of Mercy has revealed herself!

This Tie Guan Yin (TGY) Oolong is traditional in every way. It comes from Xi Ping in Anxi in southern Fujian Province. This is the historical birthplace of TGY.

The leaves were harvested by hand from Zheng Jian Tie Guan Yin cultivar tea trees growing on red soil. Zheng Jian means it's not a Sezhong, a substitute for real TGY. Indeed, in Anxi, TGY is so popular that it can also be made from other cultivars like Benshan, Mao Xie, Huang Jing Gui... Here, we have the original cultivar that fits the red heart curved tail description!.(Red hear for red buds and for curved tail see the product description.)  

Nowadays, most TGY are processed in a similar way to Taiwanese high mountain Oolong. However, originally, TGY used to be more oxidized and roasted than Dong Ding Oolong. This batch could have been a little bit more oxidized, but the roasting is right on, just like it used to be.

And since the leaves are tightly rolled, I pour with more strength than usual to open up the leaves.

The amber color of the brew is clear and shiny. Divine perfection.

Despite the dark appearance of the dry leaves and their roast scents, the brew is amazingly floral (orchid and magnolia) with ripe fruits in later brews.

Even more unique and impressive are the structured taste and powerful aftertaste of this TGY. This 'Guan Yun' resonates deep and long. The balance of strength and finesse is already amazing after just a few months of rest.

Tasting this roasted Zheng Jian Tie Guan Yin is just right now that the cooler autumn season is coming. Also, it made me enjoy Taiwanese Hung Shui Oolong more, because it's both similar, but also clearly different than TGY!

Credit: The photograph shows a gilded bronze Guan Yin excavated from the Famen Temple near ChangAn, Tang dynasty. From a 2010 exhibition at the National Museum of History.