Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Classic Roast Tie Guan Yin from The Tea Gallery

Class: Oolong
Origin: Anxi, China
Year: ?
Vendor: The Tea Gallery (Product page)
Price: $9.00 (25g) / $33.00 (100g)

dry leaf
nomnomnomnomnomnomnom

This was a free sample I got with my order. I almost ordered a small amount but decided against it; apparently they can read minds (is there anything The Tea Gallery people don't do well?).

This is a very solid tea, definitely worth picking up if you like roasted teas. It is roasted just heavily enough without being harsh, at least to my palate. I brewed it pretty strongly, using all the leaf shown in the photo. I still haven't quite figured out this method, and mouthfeel tends to suffer as a result, so I can't really comment on that. It does produce lots and lots of tasty infusions, though.

The aroma is nice and toasty, with some deep rich fruitiness and a bit of cocoa. The flavor is everything you would want from a roasted Tie Guan Yin and more: deep cocoa and fruit for the bass notes (I hesitate to use the word "bass" to describe tea flavor in print, for obvious reasons) with sweet high notes. Every now and then I picked up some cinnamon (more obvious in the lid aroma), though not as strongly as in some yancha. Thumbs up!

A big thumbs up also goes to my new gaiwan from The Tea Gallery, shown above. The lid fits perfectly, the porcelain is thin without feeling fragile (the cup is slightly translucent), and there are no bumps or blemishes. I don't claim to be an expert in gaiwans, but this one really looks and feels great.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's refreshing to see a roasty Tie Guan Yin being reviewed and being offered. I guess I'm a little tired of the modern movement to make everything lighter-oxidized. What ever happened to loving roasted teas? --Jason

Brandon said...

I caught you a delicious Bass Note.

yumcha said...

I'm so happy you liked the tea and gaiwan. Winnie and I read your post together and we were both blushing by the end of it. The Classic Roast is a Tea Gallery favorite and it's nice to know how much other tea enthusiasts like it.

Brent said...

Jason,

I agree, roasted is so much more interesting! :)

Brandon,

I think you've been drinking too much cheap pondy puerh. :D

Yumcha,

I'm glad I could give you some nice feedback, even though I'm sure I didn't brew the tea as well as you folks would. :) Thanks for stopping by!

Brent

loose leaf tea lover said...

I love stumbling upon nice surprises especially when the tea is free!

Bill said...

Hey Brent,

How are you my friend, long time not chat or anything. Great post as always. I recently recieved some traditionally roasted aged Dong Ding from Tim. Great stuff. Latley, I have been brewing my oolongs in a Gaiwan. I just feel that the flavors are brighter and rounder than when I brew them in my dedicated Yixing. Probably cuz it s a crappy pot. Do you see any differnece. BTW, did you read that Another Tea Blog has gone dead. I haven't seen Alex on Teachat or really any of the old gang other than good ole Sal. ANyhow, I hope all is well with you..

Cheers,

Bill

Bamboo Forest said...

That's a pretty gaiwan, I like it.

I think I'll buy some TKY soon.

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tankless water heater said...

The Ooolong tea have always bee a part of my family's tea collection. I just love its taste as well.

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