Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Organic)

nothing to say about it, honestly I found it kinda tasteless :(

Day #16 of tea! I don’t get to drink straight white teas very often, because they’re so difficult to find around here. This may be only my second or third one (I know I’ve had White Peony from DT before, but that’s all I’m sure of), so my experiences are limited. It’s got a refreshing taste (a good palate cleanser from the flavoured teas), but it might be a little too much on the grassy side for me – it reminds me of a couple of different green tea blends I’ve had.

Not much flavour- very very faint white tea flavour

The dry leaf aroma is exactly what I’d expect from a high quality silver needle. The brewed tea aroma is comfortably familiar: hay and sunshine. I love this type of tea. Mmm, this is a little cup of heaven. And it’s organic to boot! Bonus!

I’m surprised that DAVIDsTEA recommends such a high temperature and long steep time for this tea (4-5 mins at 200 degrees F). That would scorch the leaves and turn a beautiful tea into a sad bitter one. I am glad I followed my regular steeping parameters instead. This is very flavorful, and I actually probably could have steeped it for even less time. Anything more and it probably would be ruined.

This is a pretty old free sample. I can’t actually tell you when I received this. Could have been a year ago. Could have been more. But it’s really held up well. No bitterness, no astringency, and excellent flavor. I am thoroughly enjoying one of my favorite teas and can’t wait to see how it resteeps! I used the same parameters and the second cup is still very yummy. Not quite as flavorful, but I think it’s actually better this way. Softer and quieter, the way I like it.

It’s especially helping my sore throat after the 10 minute long sneeze attack I endured earlier today. Being pregnant seems to have lowered my immunities. Allergies that normally don’t bother me much are really bothering me now. This tea is hitting the spot. If I could only use one word to describe it, it’d be comforting. I can definitely recommend this one.

By the way, I’m selling a bunch of my 52teas iced black teas at 50% off retail. Check out the official tea stash sales thread for more details.

I was excited for this tea. I got a sample from DavidsTea and made myself a pot this morning. The leaves are white-green (more white) and have little white fur on them. There were no gold flecks in them. After infusion the rolls did not come undone and the leaves only became slightly darker. I used 167 degree water and steeped for 4 mins and 30 secs. The scent was distinctly floral and the liquor was light yellowish white. The aroma was light as was the flavour. It tasted distinctly floral, then grassy and then very sweet (nectarine even). Lastly it had a bittersweet after taste which makes me think the quality of leaves might not be very good. I liked the lightness and delicacy of the initial taste but the excessively sweet and slightly bitter aftertaste was not my cup of tea (hahha forgive the pun). I do not like sweet teas (chai being an exception). I might try a different brand of this tea to see if it was the quality of leaves that made me dislike it or just the type of tea itself but I will never repurchase from DavidsTea.

The dry leaves smell amazing…kind of peachy? When steeping, I smelled brussels sprouts…kinda confused now lol. When sipping there is a rich and mellow savory base, almost like butter but not really as there’s a slight vegetal element to it. When the sip fades, there’s a tiny bit of peach flavor that pops up to wave goodbye. I like this tea a lot! I think rich is the best word to describe. I’m totally enjoying trying this out. Thanks Virginia!

Hmm…I taste honey and…peaches almost? There is a bit of grass, but nothing overwhelming. This tea is very good, I like the fact that I question myself about the tastes on my tongue, instead of the usual BAM OK THIS IS (insert super obvious flavour here). It is very mysterious this one.

Bai Hao Yin Zhen is part of my daily routine. I try to get at least 1 cup a day because it’s so healthy.

The notes are extremely delicate and sometimes are difficult to notice. I personally over steep this by around 30 seconds each cup just so there’s more body and the notes are more evident.

The aroma is typical Bai Hao.

All in all, it’s more or less consistent with what Bai Hao is supposed to be like. However, it’s a bit weak in comparison with other teas. Then again, it seems to me like DT is just weak in general and it’s the norm to oversteep a tad.

It’s good on its first steep, but is sooooooo much better on its second. It develops a sweet and silky flavour. Definitely a routine starter to my morning and a great cup for a stressful day. Not the greatest silver needle, but definitely not the worst. A good silver needle if you can’t find any other online.

I guess there is a first time for everything…. This is the only Silver Needle that I have ever outright hated. Silver Needle used to be my favorite tea when I was a kid… I’d like to think that by growing up loving this type of tea, I’d know what good Silver Needle tastes like… MAN, this is NOT it. The aroma was so odd and the taste matched the aroma in its oddness. What did you do DAVIDsTEA?! Maybe I got a bad batch… :(