Silver Muzha Tie Guan Yin Organic Roasted Oolong Tea - Winter 2015

The history of Muzha Tie Guan Yin began in 1919, the year that the Chang Family brought the Tie Guan Yin varietal to Taiwan to cultivate.  In other words, Tie Guan Yin has a relatively long history among Taiwanese teas, and today the offspring of the original Chang Family is still making the most authentic and classical Tie Guan Yin for the pickiest tea drinker. 

Classical Tie Guan Yin is made from 100% "Hong Xin Wai Wei Tao Varietal" (紅心歪尾桃)  and has to be processed in a certain way which involves numerous stages of rolling and delicate roasting that will take approximately 20 hours across 2 days to complete the process.  The result is a beautiful balance of a strong "Guan Yin Rhythm" and the light fruit acid scent which can only be found in Muzha Tie Guan Yin. 

This tea is the result of the hard work and 100 years of experience, and it will certainly satisfy everyone who loves some heavily but delicately made roasted oolong in the winter of 2015.

Harvest:  Winter 2015 / 冬 貳零壹伍

Varietal:  Hong Xin Wai Wei Tao (Tie Guan Yin) / 紅心歪尾桃 

Elevation:  550 M / 伍佰伍拾 公尺

Region:  Muzha / 木柵

Oxidation Level:  45% / 分之 肆拾伍

Roast Level:  6 / 陸 分

 Lovely roasted muzha.  The rolled nuggets are not entirely uniform.  The first infusions reveal a roasted taste with fruit and returning sweetness.  This tea can be pushed with very hot water and a good heat-retaining teapot to get the most out of it.  Later infusions reveal sweet and dried fruit notes.  Aging will allow the charcoal roasted taste to fade and transform into a stable enjoyable tea that will go 10+ rounds!

  The wet leaf aroma is soft, nutty, and sweet. The roasting isn't overpowering. The first few rounds were equally soft and inviting. As the flavor and character emerged in subsequent steeps I felt like this is an excellent choice for everyday tea drinking. It has enough potency to motivate you and enough nuance to keep your attention. If you want a lovely warming roasted tea then this is a solid choice.

 As an old dog that is experiencing a cold winter, this roasted oolong tea is a great treat to warm its body up. This tea reminds an old dog of its very first encounter with Muzha Tie Guan Yin - strong and unique "Guan Yin" character accompanied with a special orchid tone. An old dog is able to capture the "Guan Yin" (avalokitesvara) feeling by smelling this tea's strong aroma. A true "Guan Yin" for a tea lover at a very reasonable price indeed.