I tried the crushed Baihao Yinzhen around an hour ago and I’m still thirsty so jumping into this Supreme version so I can note the comparison. So far the leaf itself is highly different, the crushed version was dark yet fluffy where as this Supreme version is nothing pure, perfect silver tips. So by appearance alone it’s easy to see the quality when shown side by side. Scent wise it is pretty much the same ie floral and sweet.
Steeping this in my kyusu (again it’s all I have with me at the moment)
Leaf – 7g
Water – 75C
Steeps – 45 seconds, 30 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds (taken from the packaging)
First Steep – 45 seconds
Golden in colour with a sweet floral scent. Flavour is sweet and floral but purer and smoother than that of the crushed version. Also in the after taste is a citrus crispness and a mild peach note.
Second Steep – 30 Seconds
The flower flavour is now more defined and it’s very jasmine like. Sweetness has increased to resemble a mild honey.
Third Steep – 30 seconds
Strange how jasmine like this tea really is, it’s the strongest flavour by far. This steep has a little dryness in the after taste but not nearly has much as the crushed version. Also rather creamy.
Fourth Steep – 45 seconds
Weakening in strength now and the jasmine is also toning down into a more generic flower flavour. It is still sweet though and the dryness still subtle. I can also taste light wood.
Fifth Steep – 60 seconds
Similar to the first steep but with the added woody note carrying on.
I would say that the crushed and supreme versions tasted like different teas, they had similarities (as do most white teas) but on the whole they had completely different flavours. This grade is hands down my favourite, never before have I had something taste so strongly of jasmine that had no actual jasmine in it! Very nice, I may look into getting more of this from somewhere.
