White Peony with Blood Orange & Honey

Ashmanra’s sipdown challenge 2023 – A flavoured white tea

Ok, this is the only flavoured white tea I currently have so it’s off for it. My initial impression way back when was one of intimidation because the honey aroma of the dry leaf is thick. It’s impressive that honey doesn’t dominate the actual cup once steeped up; it’s a pretty good balance between the tea base, a floral citrus, and the would-be tyrannical honey. I enjoyed it even though White Peony isn’t my favourite.

The thing this tea most reminds me of is an odd one though: White Rabbit Candy. Something about White Peony has always been papery to me (in the most flattering way.) It’s likely linked to the cucumber and hay notes that white teas have but Silver Needle doesn’t do this to my brain. When it’s paired with the thick sweetness and tactile memories of honeycomb and the subtle nuances of blood orange, it crosses wires into milk-sweet rice paper territory. White Rabbit candies reminds me of my childhood so we are good.

Steep Count: 3

From this weekend – possibly the best cup I had all week.

The blood orange flavour was a little lacking, but I expected as much based on the last cup I had. It’s the honey notes that make this tea. The taste isn’t overly sweet but still rich enough to convey thick, golden honey and it really compliments the white tea itself. However, I think the thing that pushes me over the edge is the aroma of the honey. It’s like creamed honey, but also definitely smells of beeswax in a super strong and VERY nostalgic way.

Growing up, my mom was very into the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and that led to her and my step dad learning a bunch of different skills – arrow making and archery, sewing, home brewing beer… and candle making. Specifically hand dipped beeswax candies. The aroma is like candles she used to make, but sweeter and more honey like. It’s realllyyyyyy lovely. I couldn’t stop smelling my mug.

I cold-brewed some of this overnight & I found that the flavors really POP when it’s cold brewed. I like it as a hot tea as well, but I think I prefer it cold-brewed.

I really like this Fujian White Peony & how well the flavors played with the white tea. The blood orange has a nice tartness that contrasts with the sweet honey notes. A lovely iced tea – very refreshing.

(52teas (Anne) 2022: 274)

I wasn’t totally into this one – the orange was pretty light, although the honey and white base were noticeable. I just am not sure that I cared for the combo. Nothing wrong with it, just preference, and I’ll certainly still drink it.