Our Dark Roast Tieguanyin (also known as "Iron Goddess of Mercy") is a testament to the fine artisinal craftsmanship that goes into the production of our teas. It is also a remarkably delicious tea!

Harvested in Anxi County, Fujian Province in Spring 2010, the leaf is 30% oxidized, first by bruising the leaves in a bamboo drum and then allowing them to rest and gradually whither. This allows the conversion of catechins into bioflavinoids, as well as enriching the color of the liquor. Finally, the tea maker gave the finishing roast - tuning the temperature and roast time to impart an extraordinarily robust character to the tea, but doing it in such a way to highlight its natural honeyed character. It takes quite a few patient hours to roast the tea to perfection. But the end result - rich nuttiness with hints of stone fruit, caramel and honey - is worth every minute.

Pairs nicely with fish, poultry, fresh or dried fruits, or milky deserts.

Water Temperature: 195-200°, or when medium bubbles begin to rise and water becomes agitated.

Brewing Instructions: Use 2 teaspoons (double for a medium sized pot). Rinse tea for 1 second. Discard rinse water. Steep for 2-3 minutes. May be infused multiple times.