I was actually quite disappointed with this Tie Guan Yin. It's pretty inexpensive for a green Tie Guan Yin, so I suppose I shouldn't be expecting that much, but compared to other greener oolongs, including ones from Life in Teacup, this was a letdown. Happily, I can say it is the first tea I've had from this company that has been disappointing.

I experimented a little with brewing, and I found that brewing times changed the strength of the cup but not much about the quality.. The aroma was what I mostly objected to in this tea: it was strongly soapy, and had no floral qualities, and in general, did not resemble tea very much. Flavor was weak and unremarkable, unless I brewed it strong enough that the soapy aroma was overwhelming. Also became surprisingly astringent and sour if brewed strongly.

Compared to Life in Teacup's other offerings, such as their Golden Osmanthus or green Bai Ya Qi Lan oolongs, this is in a completely different category: one or two notches down. Brewed weakly, it's drinkable, but bland. Brewed more strongly it just doesn't work at all. In my opinion, it's best to stick with the Se Chung oolongs if you're on a budget, or go for a higher grade of Tie Guan Yin. And among their Tie Guan Yin, I greatly preferred the more roasted one I've tried more.

It could be that I just don't like the modern green style of Tie Guan Yin, but I recall drinking teas of this style in the past and enjoying them much more.

Add your own review

Login or Sign Up to comment on this review.