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“They’re furry and adorable!..and delicious. The tea leaves, that is. I was so excited that the inside of the package actually had some silvery dust and that the leaves were pet-able and feel lovely...” Read full tasting note
“Sipdown no. 4 of 2022 (no. 654 total). It’s still pretty hot here, so I’m still mostly drinking cold tea. I haven’t had many cold white teas, but this one was mild and refreshing. Not planty, which...” Read full tasting note
Origin: Shao Wu, Fu Jian Province
Season: Spring
Leaf Form: Single buds
This Silver Needle white tea is a light, delicate tea comprised entirely of single buds. The surface of the bud reveals delicate hairs, still left completely intact throughout the cultivating process. The infusion displays light yellow tones and sweet savory aromas. This tea is very mild and low in caffeine. Silver Needle is a feast for the eyes. Take special notice how the loose buds suspend themselves weightlessly in water.
Tasting Profile
Leaf: Downy covered single buds
Infusion: Light transparent yellow infusion
Aroma: Sweet and savory aroma
Taste: Mild, warm and just a touch nutty
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They’re furry and adorable!..and delicious. The tea leaves, that is.
I was so excited that the inside of the package actually had some silvery dust and that the leaves were pet-able and feel lovely to the touch. Okay, maybe I’m just creepy. I know the cuteness has nothing to do with the taste, but I like it, so there. The scent in the package is sweet, floral, and herb-y/green/fresh/something I don’t have a word for.
Infusion one (2 minutes) is delicate, sweet, and floral(?). It seems I find flowers in everything, so maybe not. Something makes me think of honey which, I suppose, is floral tasting in its own right. Towards the bottom of the cup, though I’m not sure why, everything gets more intense, especially the sweetness. The sweet taste and curiously strong aroma combined with the thick texture made me think that I must have left something in my mug or something. That’s actually why I didn’t log this until I drank it again, with a freshly cleaned mug, and got the same results. Wow.
The second steep (2 minutes 30 seconds) was similar. I was in class at the time, but wrote a note to myself that it had a sweet, floral scent and an aftertaste I couldn’t quite place. It was mildly herb-y and I asked if it was pungent. I really don’t know. Smooth and delicately sweet strengthens and has whatever quality that is towards the bottom of the cup. Soothing and quiet.
I think I got 2 or 3 more good infusions after that, the last one steeping for around 8 minutes without any bitterness anywhere. I heard so much hype about silver needle, but I honestly didn’t believe it. I’m really glad I decided to give it a try. I was actually a little disappointed with my first sip, since I didn’t taste much for a few moments. After a couple seconds, though, it started to become clear. The dregs at the bottom are my favorite part! It seriously tastes and feels like I added a significant amount of honey or something else thick and sweet. The way the experience changes from the first sip to the bottom of the mug and between steeps is mesmerizing. I’m a fan.
I’m not sure what about it was from the silver needle-ness and what was because of the yunnan-ness, but I really want to take the time to find out. I’m finding it difficult to pace myself with this tea since I want to drink it often, but don’t want to run out quickly. Love.
Sipdown no. 4 of 2022 (no. 654 total).
It’s still pretty hot here, so I’m still mostly drinking cold tea.
I haven’t had many cold white teas, but this one was mild and refreshing. Not planty, which was my fear — just a little earthy.
I’m using the last little bit of it to give some heft to my next experiment — cold brewing a fruit tisane….
