Tie Guan Yin (鐵觀音 / tiě guānyīn) tastes remarkably different across vessels. Porous Yixing clay absorbs oils, mellowing sharp notes. Porcelain presents flavors unaltered—better for evaluating but less forgiving. Dark clay hides liquor color; white porcelain reveals it. Traditional "black-lipped" pots served Tie Guan Yin for centuries before modern porcelain evaluation sets.
[INTERNAL LINK: Teaware selection]
