Huang Jin Gui (黃金桂)
archetype: Goddess in a golden robe
Guanyin's sister, who has put on a golden robe: a high osmanthus note, a bright honey aroma, a living morning clarity.
History
Huang Jin Gui — 'golden osmanthus' — is the brother of Tieguanyin, also from Anxi. The bush ripens earlier than any other Anxi oolong (it has been called 'the first name of spring'), and the first harvest begins two weeks before Tieguanyin. The leaf is oxidised more lightly than Tieguanyin (15–25 %), the roast is very gentle — hence the characteristic high osmanthus note, brighter and lighter than the 'orchid' of its sister.
Terroir
The canonical gardens are by the villages of Huang Rong and Xiping. Because of its early ripening, the bush is less often hit by frosts — so Huang Jin Gui is steadier in yields than Tieguanyin.
Leaf
osmanthus blossom, golden honey, ripe pear, a faint coolness; in long infusions a honey sweetness long, bright, leaving an osmanthus echo in the throat
Properties
rich in volatile esters and theanine; gentle stimulation, suits a sensitive nervous system light, rising, warm in the upper chest; felt as 'morning joy' moderate (30–45 mg)
Brewing ritual
a white gaiwan, 110 ml; 92 °C; 7 g / 110 ml. 10s — the first gold: osmanthus, light honey; 9s — the peak: floral pollen, pear; 12s — the honey note — warm morning light; 18s — a long sweetness, a thin coolness; 30s — a late note: an osmanthus echo in the throat; 45s — a warm trail of golden morning.
When to drink
morning and early day. spring and early autumn. when you want to rise without a jolt; on a joyful morning; at the start of a good day