Coffee and cake? It can be neither yet both when this Vintage Tieguanyin is in question. Give these tightly rolled leaves a rinse to release the hidden aromas of an old coffee house serving the most decadent treats—Donauwelle, the German layer cake with cherries, cream, and chocolate could be today’s choice. Having been strongly roasted, then stored for some fifteen years, the flavors that emerge from the leaves' slow unravelling are complex: plywood, liquorice root, and a touch of cast iron suggest its maturation over time. With such sophistication, this vintage will stand the test of any occasion, giving an extra refinement to a morning treat or nightcap.
Among our other Tieguanyins from the Taiwanese tea master Chen, our vintage selection represents some of his true masterpieces, and, in addition to this one from 2007, we also offer his Tieguanyin 2000 and 1997.
Master Chen brewing two of his traditional Tieguanyin during our visit to his factory.
For best results in gongfu cha, brew in the traditional gaiwan or small teapot.