Hanyu Pinyin:
an xi tie guan yin (tan bei)
Production area:
Anxi, Fujian, China
Harvest time:
Spring 2012
Description:
Iron Goddess or more commonly known as Tieguanyin is probably one of the best known and popular of all oolongs. Not without good reason, the Iron Goddess well lives up to its reputation with its exquisite taste that is simply unforgettable.
This Iron Goddess is charcoal roasted the traditional way. For the past two decades, the traditional charcoal roast had been eschewed in favor of the ‘green Tieguanyin’ which is visually more appealing and easier to roast but in recent years, charcoal roasted Tieguanyin has made a comeback with aficionado preferring the fuller flavor.
Taste:
Strong, full taste with an unmatched lingering recurring sweetness. There is a natural, citrusy sourness that excites and invigorates that is unique to Iron Goddess.
Liquor:
Clear yellow golden.
Personality:
There is an aura of majesty about the Tieguanyin, an aristocratic air about her that exudes class and commands respect.
In spite of a seemingly unattainable status, after a first encounter, you find her personable, amiable and immensely approachable.