What is the difference between Huangjin Gui and Tieguanyin? Explained in one article

Huangjin Gui is another superb oolong tea whose style differs from Tieguanyin. It originated in Luoyan Village, Huqiu, Anxi, and is the earliest-sprouting of all existing oolong tea varieties. The oolong tea made from it has a particularly high aroma, so in the producing areas it is called "Qingming tea" and "Toutianxiang," and it is praised for being "first to sprout and second to none in wonder." Below, let us take a look at the difference between Huangjin Gui and Tieguanyin!

Quality characteristics of Tieguanyin

[Appearance] The strips are plump and strong, rounded and shaped like a dragonfly head, heavy, with hard twig hearts and neat twig skin. Most of the leaves curl toward the back of the leaf, the color is black and glossy, and the sandy green is obvious (in the new process, the red edging has mostly been removed).

[Inner quality] The aroma is rich and lasting, with an obvious "yin rhythm," carrying various fresh fragrances such as orchid, raw peanut kernel, and coconut. The tea liquor is golden yellow to orange yellow, and the taste is mellow, sweet and fresh, slightly honeyed, fresh and brisk with a sweet aftertaste.

[Brewed leaves] The twig body is round, the stem skin is red and bright, the leaf stalk is broad, plump and thick (brown leaf base), the leaf blade is thick, soft and bright, and the leaf surface is wavy, called "satin surface."

Quality characteristics of Huangjin Gui

[Appearance] The strips are pointed and spindle-shaped and relatively loose, the body is relatively light and floaty rather than heavy, the leaf stems are fine and small, and the color is yellow nanmu, emerald yellow, or yellow-green, with luster.

[Inner quality] The liquor color is golden yellow and bright or pale yellow and clear. The aroma is extremely high, fragrant and elegant, often with a mixed fragrance of osmanthus, gardenia, and pear, and the taste is mellow, fine and fresh, with a sweet aftertaste, palatable and refreshing, and it has long been known for being fragrant, distinctive, and fresh.

[Brewed leaves] Yellow-green, the leaf tip is slightly protruding, oblong, the main vein is visible, the leaf blade is relatively thin, and the leaf margin serrations are relatively shallow.

The difference between Huangjin Gui and Tieguanyin

[Tieguanyin] The appearance is oval, the teeth are sparse and blunt, the leaf surface is raised and slightly curled backward, the leaf base is blunt, and the leaf tip is concave, tilted to the left, and slightly drooping.

[Huangjin Gui] The leaf shape is oval, tender, soft, the tip is slightly protruding and pointed, the base gradually slopes or is slightly blunt, the leaf surface is raised and slightly rib-like, the lateral veins are obvious and dense, and the leaf teeth are deep, obvious, and sharp.