Botanical Dossier
Mao Xie vs Tie Guan Yin
Mao Xie
Oolong Tea · China
Floral · Fresh · Sweet
Tie Guan Yin
Oolong Tea · China
Floral · Creamy · Fresh
| Attribute | Mao Xie | Tie Guan Yin |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Fujian (Anxi) | Fujian (Anxi) |
| Flavor | Floral · Fresh · Sweet | Floral · Creamy · Fresh |
| Body | Medium | Medium |
| Caffeine | Medium (~30–50 mg) | Medium (~30–50 mg) |
| Oxidation | Low | Low |
| Roast | Low | Low |
| Brewing temp | 90–95°C | 90–95°C |
| Steep time | 1–2 min | 1–2 min |
| Re-steep | 3–6 times | 4–6 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Mao Xie
Mao Xie ('hairy crab') is a classic Anxi oolong named for the fine downy hairs on its leaf edges. Rolled into tight green balls like Tie Guan Yin, it brews a bright, fragrant cup with orchid florals, a fresh green edge, and a crisp, slightly tart finish. Compared to Tie Guan Yin it is generally more rustic and a touch more astringent, with a lively character that stands up well to shorter steeps.
Tie Guan Yin
Tie Guan Yin is China's most popular oolong, rolled into tight jade-green balls that unfurl over many infusions. Modern light styles are intensely floral — orchid and lilac — with a signature creamy mouthfeel and a fresh, green edge. Traditional roasted versions add warm toasty depth. The tea rewards short repeated steeps and is forgiving to brew.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Mao Xie
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Tie Guan Yin
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 4–6 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Mao Xie
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Tie Guan Yin
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Mao Xie
China · Fujian (Anxi)
Mao Xie is one of Anxi's four famous oolong bushes, alongside Tie Guan Yin, Huang Jin Gui, and Yongchun Fo Shou.
Tie Guan Yin
China · Fujian (Anxi)
Anxi county in Fujian is the original home of Tie Guan Yin.
Curator's Recommendation
Which one might you prefer?
There is no superior tea here — only distinct sensory journeys. Use your flavor memory and current mood to choose.
Choose Mao Xie if you like:
- Floral
- Fresh
- Sweet
Choose Tie Guan Yin if you like:
- Floral
- Creamy
- Fresh
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
