Carbon-roasted Tieguanyin Tea is made by subjecting traditionally semi-fermented Tieguanyin tea to about 5-10 hours of charcoal roasting (hence its name). The fire must be carefully controlled, not too hot, with 50-60 degrees Celsius being optimal. Traditional charcoal-roasted Tieguanyin tea requires someone to tend the stove to ensure that the quality of the tea leaves themselves is not overly impacted.
The carbon-roasted Tieguanyin has a unique aftertaste and flavor profile. After tasting it, one's throat feels particularly refreshed, carrying a subtle and refined charcoal aroma. Notably, the tea liquor turns a deep yellow after brewing, leaving a distinctive glutinous rice fragrance in the mouth. This is entirely different from the clear, light green water-like character of the typical fresh and fragrant Tieguanyin.
Carbon-roasted Tieguanyin belongs to the traditional production system. For a high-quality carbon-roasted Tieguanyin, two essential elements are required:
1. High-grade Tieguanyin raw materials must be used for there to be a high-grade roasted Tieguanyin. The raw materials must be produced using traditional moderate fermentation techniques. Low-grade raw materials or unsuitable raw materials will not yield good results no matter how they are roasted. Currently, lightly fermented Tieguanyin that is popular on the market does not meet the requirements, as forced roasting can result in bland and tasteless tea.
2. Skilled experts with experience in fine roasting are needed, typically those with over ten years of roasting experience and high technical proficiency. If the tea master lacks sufficient experience, it is easy to burn the tea. It is precisely because carbon-roasted Tieguanyin is difficult to produce that it can be considered the top-tier variety among Tieguanyins.
The rich and smooth carbon-roasted Tieguanyin has a strong aroma without being overpowering. It warms the Stomach, lowers Blood pressure and lipids, and aids in weight loss. It is very suitable for those who frequently entertain, have an unbalanced diet, suffer from minor digestive issues, or feel they are gaining weight.
