Red Goddess
Red Goddess: Love oolongs and bold black teas? You don’t have to choose one over the other!
We just received a few bags of a small batch of a fully oxidized oolong. What does this mean? Well, put simply, this oolong is floral like Ti Kuan Yin, with the depth and boldness of a refreshing black tea. We couldn’t wait to break open a bag and try it for ourselves. Upon opening the bag we were graced with a complex sweet and earthy smell combined with a malty and delectably fruity aroma.
What is this impressive tea?
Hong Guan Yin or also known as Red goddess, is the sister of Ti Kuan Yin, but it’s been given special attention. The leaves of this floral variety were allowed to oxidize for a longer period which created a beautiful, rich and refreshingly oolong tea. The leaves also remain long and wiry which you don’t see often in Oolongs. This variety has a medium level of caffeine content, a step down from most black teas, but a little more than green.
Red Goddess oolong, was grown in the Wuyi mountains of Fujian Province, China. These teas are prized because the bushes produce a lower yield here in this mountainous terrain. Many great teas come from this region, and you might recognize some of these such as Lapsang Souchong, Ti Guan Yin, and Jei Jin-Mei. Appropriately, these varieties are sometimes called rock teas.
What does it taste like?
When you take your first sip you get a soft, clean body, much like a bold black tea. Then notes of roasted honey come through, followed by a subtly sweet fruit, reminiscent of peaches. After you swallow you’re left with a spectacular floral finish. Here at the shop we were quick to finish the first pot we made and we could not help ourselves, we needed more! We infused for a second time and the flavor held up nicely for multiple steeps.
How do I brew it?
You will need:
– Hot water
– Brewing container and infuser/bag
– Timer
– 1.5 teaspoons (5-7 grams) of tea per 8-12oz of water
We used water that was just under boiling, about 205 degrees Fahrenheit (96 Celsius). Then we brewed the leaves for approximately 3 minutes. The aroma seemed to double and the infusion was a distinct amber color! As mentioned above, this tea can be infused more than once, so a little should go a long way.
Truly, this tea is one of a kind with a complex aroma and flavor not found in other varieties. And here at Tin Roof Teas, we have made this high-quality tea appealing to any budget. Stop in today to claim your bag and experience this sophisticated oolong for yourself.
Written by Ashley Byrd