I am very confused… So, I received a small sample of this Tie Guan Yin quite a while back. It was hiding in my cabinet until I discovered it’s hiding place and dragged it out to be steeped. I love Tie Guan Yins and Oolongs in general, so I was pretty sure I was going to love this one.
As soon as I opened the bag I got a punch in the face of smokiness. I took a step back, and shyly opened it again. Once again, BOOM, smokiness. Hmm… I wasn’t expecting this… I am not a huge fan of Lapsang Souchong, and this smelled just like it.
The brewed tea was better than I expected, after all, one can’t expect too much after having been punched in the face by a tea… There was definitely a smokey smell which stood up in the taste, but once I got over it, the usual Tie Guan Yin flavor I am used to showed up and waved its hands wildly as if to say “Hey! I’m still here! Don’t give up on meeeee!”. I finished my cup happily. It was a nice new experience for me.
Since it was only a sample, I almost out of it, and I can’t see myself ordering again. I have to admit that it was a pleasant experience. Smokey may just be growing on me, especially when Tie Guan Yin is playing hide and seek with the smokey flavor! If you like smokey, then you should give this a try! : )
I’ve never heard of a smokey Tie Guan Yin before. How interesting.
I hadn’t either… I was really surprised… It wasn’t what I was expecting at all…
I think the more traditional TKY tend to be darker/more roasted/smokier. Surprised the socks off of me the first time I had one. :)