Nov 13
Review: Norbu Diamond Grade Tie Guan Yin Spring Harvest 2009
Norbu Tea, Oolong Tea, Ti Kuan Yin Tea Add commentsVanessa’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "A decent Tie Guan Yin and one who's quality is quite good when compared to the cost, but I am not sure if the "diamond" grade was truly merited. "
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Norbu offers both a spring 2009 and fall 2009 harvest of their diamond grade Tie Guan Yin, with the diamond grading indicating that this is a higher grade of oolong tea. The online description mentions the intense flowery aroma, but I actually noted that the tea's fragrance was not as flowery as I expected. The website also mentions that it is recommended to consume the tea within 30 days of purchase, so it is possible that the sample I had was not as intense because perhaps it was a little older than 30 days (from being shipped from Norbu the Teaviews headquarters then on to me). I don't mean to put this tea down right away, because even though the tea was not as floral as I expected, in no way was it flavorless or weak. The tea was smooth, light and refreshing, offering subdued vegetal and nutty notes under the primarily floral flavor. I tried a second infusion and found that the tea was much weaker in flavor on the second infusion. I was really disappointed with that because I am used to getting at least two decent steepings out of oolong leaves. It may be coincidence, but I also noted a poor second infusion on another Norbu oolong that I recently reviewed. Bottom line: This tea was a decent Tie Guan Yin and one who's quality is quite good when compared to the cost, but I am not sure if the "diamond" grade was truly merited.
— To purchase Norbu Diamond Grade Tie Guan Yin Spring Harvest 2009, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular blend, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.
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November 13th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
From what I understood teas generally do last longer the 30 days, is there a reason why they feel to put the 30 day tag on this tea?