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There are several grades of Ti Kuan Yin (a.k.a Iron Goddess of Mercy). This particular type is the premium grade; which is below the superior grade yet it retains many of the characteristics of top Ti Kuan Yin Oolongs. It has been written that Ti Kuan Yin is at first bitter, then sweet and finishes with a lingering fragrance on the palate. This particular grade is sweet with a fragrant finish and has no bitter notes. Iron Goddess of Mercy was so named after a dedicated buddhist farmer in the Fujian province was spoken to by an iron statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin). There was a long, hard drought in the area and whilst the farmer, Mr. Wei, was praying, Kuan Yin came to life and advised him that the key to his future was outside the temple in the form of a withered, forlorn bush. She said "if you nourish it with tenderness; it will support you and generations to come." Mr. Wei did as he was asked and upon mixing the leaves of the bush with hot water he found it made a refreshing beverage. Thus, the farmer called his drink Ti Kuan Yin, Tea of the Iron Goddess of Mercy.