A perfect pot of Tieguanyin tea depends on factors like water, teaware, and brewing time. The brewing method of Anxi Tieguanyin is unique and distinctive.
"Water from mountain springs is best, a charcoal fire is ideal for heating, and small teaware is preferable," meaning mountain spring water is optimal, small and convenient teaware is best, and using charcoal fire to boil water is highly recommended.
Water: Mountain spring water is preferred, as good water quality better brings out the tea's intrinsic qualities. The ideal water temperature is 100°C boiling water. For brewing Tieguanyin, use lidded ceramic bowls or purple clay teapots.
Aromatic Tieguanyin should be brewed in a lidded bowl, as the white porcelain does not absorb flavors and conducts heat quickly.
Robust Tieguanyin is best brewed in a wide-mouthed purple clay teapot. A narrow-mouthed teapot does not allow the tea leaves to cool properly, causing them to "overcook" quickly, which can bring out a "bitter" taste.
Aged Tieguanyin, when brewed in a purple clay teapot, benefits from a pre-brewing awakening process, similar to aged Pu-erh tea, before brewing to enhance the tea's mellow, smooth, and fragrant qualities.
Generally, the brewing process for Tieguanyin includes: preparing the tea, appreciating the tea, placing the tea, brewing, serving, tasting, refilling water, and cleaning up. The steps are: White Crane Bathing (rinsing the cups), Dragon and Phoenix Presenting (adding tea leaves), Hanging Pot High Pour (pouring boiling water), Gentle Breeze Brushing the Surface (skimming foam), Lord Guan Patrolling the City (pouring tea), General Han Xin Counting Troops (evenly distributing tea), Appreciating the Tea Color (observing the liquor), and Savoring the Sweet Dew (drinking the tea).
Specifically, White Crane Bathing refers to rinsing the teaware with boiling water. Dragon and Phoenix Presenting involves placing Tieguanyin leaves into the teaware. Hanging Pot High Pour means pouring boiling water from a height into the teapot or lidded bowl to make the tea leaves swirl.
Gentle Breeze Brushing the Surface is the process of gently skimming off the white foam with the lid to ensure cleanliness. Lord Guan Patrolling the City involves pouring the brewed tea (after 1-2 minutes) in a circular motion into cups arranged in a row. General Han Xin Counting Troops means evenly dripping the last drops of tea into each cup to ensure consistent flavor.
Appreciating the Tea Color is observing the color of the tea liquor. Savoring the Sweet Dew invites guests to sip the tea while it's hot, first appreciating its aroma, then tasting its flavor, and enjoying the lingering aftertaste. Though the amount consumed is small, the experience leaves a refreshing and memorable impression.