Dark Roast Iron Buddha (Tie Guan Yin) 安溪 浓香铁观音

浓香铁观音 (Nóng Xiāng Tiě Guān Yīn) – Strong Fragrance Tie Guan Yin

浓香铁观音 (Nóng Xiāng Tiě Guān Yīn) is a type of roasted oolong tea (乌龙茶, wūlóng chá) from Anxi, Fujian, China. Known as "Strong Fragrance Tie Guan Yin", it features a richer, more roasted profile compared to its lightly roasted (清香, Qīng Xiāng) counterpart. The roasting process enhances its depth, giving it a warm, nutty, and caramelized character.

1. Brewing Instructions for 浓香铁观音

➤ Western-Style Brewing (Simple & Easy)

For a smooth, warm cup of tea.

What You’ll Need:

• Tea Amount: 4-5g per 250ml (8oz) of water
• Water Temperature: 90-95°C (194-203°F)
• Steeping Time: 2-3 minutes
• Number of Infusions: 2-3

Steps:

1. Preheat your teapot or cup by rinsing it with hot water.
2. Add tea leaves to the teapot or infuser.
3. Pour hot water over the leaves and steep for 2-3 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust: If you prefer a stronger brew, steep for an extra 30 seconds.
5. Re-steep up to 2-3 times, increasing the time slightly for each infusion.

➤ Gongfu-Style Brewing (Traditional Chinese Method)

For a stronger, richer experience, allowing multiple flavor layers to unfold.

What You’ll Need:

• Tea Amount: 6-8g per 100ml (3oz) Gaiwan or Yixing teapot
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
• Steeping Time: 5-10 sec per infusion
• Number of Infusions: 6-10

Steps:

1. Warm the teaware by rinsing it with hot water.
2. Rinse the tea leaves with a quick 2-second flash rinse (optional).
3. First Steep: Pour hot water and steep for 5-10 seconds.
4. Subsequent Steeps: Increase steeping time slightly (e.g., 10s, 15s, 20s).
5. Observe the evolution—early steeps highlight roasted and floral notes, while later ones develop deeper caramel and honey flavors.

➤ Cold Brew Method (Refreshing & Smooth)

For a mellow, naturally sweet iced tea.

What You’ll Need:

• Tea Amount: 6-8g per 500ml (17oz) of cold water
• Steeping Time: 6-12 hours in the fridge
• Serving: Strain and serve over ice

Steps:

1. Place tea leaves in a pitcher with cold, filtered water.
2. Let it steep in the fridge for 6-12 hours.
3. Strain and enjoy a refreshing, naturally sweet iced tea.

2. Storage & Aging Potential

• Store in an airtight container away from light, moisture, and strong odors.
• Aging potential: Unlike light-fragrance Tie Guan Yin, 浓香铁观音 improves with time, developing richer, deeper flavors.
• Some aged versions (3-5 years) have dried fruit, ginseng, and woody notes.