Product Overview
Tie Guan Yin tea cake is a compressed form of Tie Guan Yin, a variety of Chinese oolong tea. While traditional Tie Guan Yin is typically loose-leaf, tea cakes offer a unique way to store and age the tea.
The tea is tightly compressed into shapes like disks, similar to Pu'er tea. This allows for easier storage and transport. When aged properly, the flavor profile evolves, developing more complex and mellow characteristics over time.
Fresh Tie Guan Yin cake: Floral, creamy, and slightly sweet with a smooth mouthfeel.
Aged Tie Guan Yin cake: Earthier and richer, often with notes of dried fruit, nuts, and a deeper aroma.
Since Tie Guan Yin tea cakes are less common than loose-leaf Tie Guan Yin, they can be a unique addition to your collection.
Brewing Guide: You’ll need to break off small pieces from the cake and brew them in a teapot or gaiwan, much like traditional loose-leaf tea. Use about 5-7 grams for a 150 ml (5 oz) teapot or gaiwan. Adjust based on taste preference. Use freshly boiled water cooled to 85–95°C (185–203°F). Lower temperatures (85°C) are ideal for greener, lightly oxidized Tie Guan Yin, while higher temperatures suit more roasted varieties.