Lao Guan Yin4CAL Harvest: Spring 2021
Origin: China / Fujian / Anxi / Bijiashan
Height: 700 m.a.s.l
Tea plant varietal: Hong Xin Tie Guan Yin
Laoguanyin translates as old Tieguanyin and in this case it means that the Teaguanyin has been produced as it was in the old times, before the leaves were shaped into lumps. This tea was produced at Mount Bijiashan, in the south west of the City Anxi.This tea has been produced traditionally, and contrary to modern Tieguanyin it has been wilted for a longer period, oxidised at room temperature, and the red rims of the leaves that result from the oxidation have not been removed. Then the tea was formed in a slightly twisted leaf and medium roasted - the appearance reminds of Wuyi Rock Tea, which is why it is also called Guan Yin Pao in reference to Dahongpao.The varietal Tieguanyin is named after Guanyin (in India: Avalokiteshvara), hence in the west this tea is sometimes also called Iron Buddha of compassion, as the name would translate.
Character:
The introduces itself with a subtle smell of wood and sweet dried fruits, followed by a highly aromatic sip, which then transforms from mineral and slightly tart to light sweet notes.
Category:
An Xi Tie Guan Yin The An Xi Tie Guan Yin are a type of Minnan Wulong, made from the Tieguanyin variety. This varietal is named after Guanyin (in India: Avalokiteschvara), hence in the west this tea is sometimes also called Iron Buddha of compassion, as the name would translate. These teas are produced in the same fashion as other Minnan Wulong: Most are produced in a very green manner, and the oxidation takes place in rooms chilled by air conditioning. Usually, the leaves are put into a bag after the oxidation and hit against the ground, in order to remove the traces of the oxidation from the edges of the leaves. The leaves are then alternately fired in heated turning drums and formed to little lumps by putting them into bags on rolling machines. Finally, the teas are dried by hot air in the oven. Note that the traditional way of producing this type of tea includes a longer phase of wilting as well as a longer and non-chilled oxidation as well as roasting. An Xi Tie Guan Yin are subtle and simultaneously very aromatic.
Storage:
This tea was produced in a relatively green manner, but sufficienty oxidised and then roasted, it can thus be kept at room temperature and even be aged.
