Tieguanyin Oolong Low-Caffeine (Di Kafei Tieguanyin Cha)

Low-Caffeine Tie Guan Yin is a semi-oxidized oolong tea grown in the highlands of

Sanming, Fujian Province, at an average elevation of 1100 meters. It is made using the traditional Tie Guan Yin cultivar and crafted with multiple rounds of caffeine reduction that lower its caffeine content by 50%, while preserving the tea’s rich flavor and character.

This tea is harvested by hand between April and May, following a plucking standard of 2–4 leaves. It undergoes a complex processing sequence: withering, tossing, fixation, rolling, shaping, drying, and three rounds of decaffeination. The key stage—known as “zuo qing”—builds the tea’s unique color, fragrance, and flavor through carefully controlled oxidation. The final tea features tightly curled, heavy, glossy leaves with a signature orchid-like aroma and a smooth, thick taste.

The liquor is bright gold to orange-gold in color. Its fragrance is deep and enduring, with floral notes such as orchid, jasmine, and a hint of milkiness. The flavor is mellow and sweet, with refreshing clarity and a soft honeyed finish. This low-caffeine version retains the “yin yun” (resonant aftertaste) characteristic of traditional Tie Guan Yin.

For brewing, use 8g of tea in a gaiwan or teapot with water at 100°C. Steep for 10 seconds on the first infusion, then increase by 5 seconds for each subsequent steep. The tea performs well for 6–8 infusions.