Dec 29
Review: Norbu Diamond Grade Tie Guan Yin Spring Harvest 2009
Norbu Tea, Oolong Tea, Ti Kuan Yin Tea Add commentsKatie’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "It's like drinking lilac-infused butter, which is much better than one would think."
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8.7/10
Diamond grade, eh, Norbu? That's a lofty label, but all right, I'll play along. I just wrote a review that touted Silver Needle as my favourite tea, but while that was true seven minutes ago, now my favourite tea is a light Anxi oolong since it's what I'm currently drinking. This particular leaf is from spring 2009 and packaged in vacuum-sealed bags. I love the occasional company that goes to the effort to seal their teas from the horrible effects oxygen has in order to keep their teas über-fresh.These leaves are large, curled, light green, and smell mostly like lilacs. I put one teaspoon of leaf in a 6 ounces cup and steeped it for two minutes in 180 degreeish water. The liquor smells very weakly floral, a scent which would probably be brought out by brewing this in a good 'ol yixing (my soon-to-be Anxi oolong yixing is in the mail), but the lightness of it makes me wary. The flavour, though, is exceptional. It is creamy and buttery, though not in the least cloying, with a hint of lilac on the back of the tongue. Overall, this smooth and light cup reminds me one of the many reasons I love tea: Before I started becoming an avid (tea) drinker, I never thought I would describe something edible as buttery, airy, and delicious. It's like drinking lilac-infused butter, which is much better than one would think.
I steeped my second infusion for two minutes as well, and the leaves unfurled brilliantly into another cup full of buttery and floral goodness. This time, the tea has a bit of a bite to the end of each sip, but the start and finish remain smooth with a full flavour.
I got a total of six steeps out of this leaf, each cup less buttery and more floral than the last and equally supurb. Norbu warns that once the package seal is broken, you should consume the tea as quickly as possible for maximum flavour. This is a shining example of what a good Ti Guan Yin is. Diamond Grade, indeed.
— 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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December 30th, 2009 at 6:52 am
Hi Katie,
I enjoyed this review!