86
drank Tie Guan Yin by Heng Xin
333 tasting notes

Finished this one today as well. I think I’ve been a little too adamant on finishing teas in preparation for moving. In truth, it’s going to be a very simple, short-distance move, so really there’s nothing wrong with having a few more teas in my cupboard!

This tea strikes me a little differently every time I have it. My first impression of it, after being used to stronger Tie Guan Yin teas, was that it was very subtle. But there is a complexity to it, floral notes as I noted before, and vegetal but not grassy components as well. The best I can describe it is that it’s very reminiscent of a garden or tree-lined avenue in southeastern China after a late spring rain. Fresh, very vital, with more going on than is evident at first glance.

I’m hoping to get a few more of these basically unknown or even unnamed teas this year. Hard to find or input on this site, but definitely worth trying.

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Bio

Science writer and a cat that learned to type.

I grew up in a tea-loving family, and tea has always been a part of daily life. I’m still astounded by the amount of tea and teaware back home every time I visit! While I’m most familiar with straight Chinese teas, I’m growing to explore and appreciate other types of tea, including blended and flavored ones. A good blend can reflect the thought and creativity that was put into making it, instead of being too sweet or busy in a way that gives the “genre” a bad rap.

Likes:
-most black teas (even lapsang)
-most oolongs, especially Fujian teas, baozhong and dancong
-houjicha
-straight white teas
-citrus
-almond/amaretto
-coconut
-vanilla

Variable (some are great, some not so):
-most green teas
-tie guan yin
-flavored white teas
-assam
-rooibos
-melon
-mint
-grape

Ratings:
90-100: definite repurchase if possible, recommended
80-90: enjoyed, possible repurchase
70-80: fair to good
60-70: fair with some shortcomings
50-60: there’s still a chance I’d take this if it were free
under 50: absolutely not

Location

Southern California

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