The new craft of lightly fermented Tieguanyin has made certain changes in the process, so the Tea produced has a significant difference in appearance and taste. Today, we'll make a comparison to see the big differences between traditional and new craft!

1. Major Differences Between Old and New Craft: Appearance

Traditional Craft Appearance

1. Traditional Tieguanyin has a semi-strip shape, relatively curved and tightly bound (like an “Odonata head”), with a dark green color, a good oiliness, obvious red spots, or slightly white, like a layer of white frost, with a strong texture and the saying of being “as heavy as iron.”

New Craft Appearance

2. The new craft of lightly fermented Tieguanyin is sometimes round, sometimes half-bent like “shrimp,” with a fresher, greener appearance. Overall, it appears looser, lacking a sense of weight.

2. Major Differences Between Old and New Craft: Aroma

1. Traditional Tieguanyin has a slower release of flavor, with a steady aroma that is potent. It can reveal aromas of Orchid, candy, imperial mouth, stone mountain charm, etc., importantly, its aroma lasts well, truly achieving “seven infusions with lingering fragrance.” Some even retain ample aroma and charm after more than ten infusions, leaving a lasting aftertaste in the mouth and a good throat charm, making one yearn for more…

2. The new craft of lightly fermented Tieguanyin has a quick release and disappearance of aroma, being rather refreshing and high-pitched. It can also reveal aromas of orchid, candy, imperial mouth, stone mountain charm, etc., but lacks endurance when steeped multiple times.

3. Major Differences Between Old and New Craft: Infusion Color

Traditional Craft Infusion Color

1. Traditional Tieguanyin has a golden yellow infusion color, turning orange-yellow after a long soak.

New Craft Infusion Color

2. The new craft of lightly fermented Tieguanyin is greener, turning golden yellow after a long soak.

4. Major Differences Between Old and New Craft: Leaf Base

Traditional Craft Leaf Base

1. Traditional Tieguanyin has a darker leaf base color, mainly dark green or banana yellow, with green leaves and red edges, thicker, with a clear silk-like feel, good elasticity, and lower requirements for uniformity of color.

New Craft Leaf Base

2. The new craft of lightly fermented Tieguanyin has a greener, more uniform leaf base color, without the green leaves having red edges, with many broken edges on the leaves.

5. Major Differences Between Old and New Craft: Aftertaste

1. Traditional Tieguanyin: Due to heavier fermentation, it has a full-bodied taste, thus: a rapid, good, and long-lasting aftertaste, with noticeable throat charm.

2. New craft Tieguanyin: Fermentation is lighter, the tea broth is relatively bland, thus: a slower aftertaste, less persistent, but relatively light and refreshing.

Through this comparison, we can see that both old and new crafts have their unique characteristics. We cannot say which is better; as consumers, you can choose based on your preferences. If both teas were placed before you, which would you choose?