I was so excited to try a new white tea, considering I have been a white tea lover for a few years now. Recently I have tasted a few that were a bit disappointing for one reason or another – to weak, flavors that created a bitter tasting tea, blends where you couldn’t even taste the white tea, etc., etc., etc. But today, I look forward to sharing my White Peony experience with you.
Composition: First picking of white tea bud and two lower leaves, picked and processed in Fuding, in the Fujian Province, China.
Dry Visual: Various shades of unrolled green leaves – a mixture of mostly whole and some broken. “No rolling or firing – simply sun-dried.” (Quote taken from the Pearl Fine Teas website.) Additionally, the white tea bud’s resemble silver needle tea. Surprisingly beautiful. Thanks Pearl Fine Teas for the picture.
Dry Aroma: Refreshing… like springtime after a light rain.
Flavor: Delicious! A naturally sweet and full-bodied tea, I loved the taste of White Peony. One of the better white teas I have enjoyed in some time – White Peony is complex. I definitely noted citrus and honey undertones. The citrus was more pronounced in my first infusion, while the honey was more evident in my second infusion. I tasted no citrus in the second infusion. However, both infusions delivered a great cuppa tea!
There was no need for a sweetener – no honey, Sugar-In-The-Raw or otherwise. I fear adding a sweetener would be distracting.
Liquor: A beautiful golden hue.
Brewing Time: Recommended brewing time is 1- 3 minutes. I brewed for the recommended 3 minutes during the first infusion and 4 minutes for the second.
Manufacturer: Pearl Fine Teas
Caffeine: Yes.
If you are looking for a great cup of white tea, White Peony is definitely worth trying. However, If you have already tasted White Peony by Pearl Fine Teas, stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!
I happen to be drinking the White Peony from Adagio as I read this post. I prefer most of my teas sweeter than most, so I do use a little bit of sweetener in mine. I feel like it draws out the flavor more. I really enjoy this tea, and will likely purchase more when I run out.
Ryan,
Thanks for visiting and sharing your white tea experience.
A couple of months ago, I tasted and reviewed Adagio’s White Peony. Ironically, I too thought it was delicious. However, now that I have enjoyed a cuppa White Peony from Pearl Fine Teas… I must say I have been converted. There is a distinct difference in taste between the two. Thus my next White Peony purchase will be from Pearl Fine Teas. I’ll need to go back and look more closely at the dry tea leaves, but I believe the difference is in Pearls use of the buds and the first two leaves.
If you try Pearls come back and let me know what you think.
I love Pai Mu Tan, the aroma reminds me of home!
teatropolitan,
From where do you purchase Pai Mu Tan? I have never had it before.
it is not soy bean.it is soya bean.hahha
you can get it in singapore.
hahah
Chenyongjie,
Thanks for the correction. Sadly I don’t live in Singapore… so I guess I’ll miss out.
hahah.
its okay!next time if you have the chance,must try it
Soy bean, soya bean.. just nomenclature! they’re one and the same.
ludik,
Thanks for the clarification.
I’ve had this one http://teatropolitan.wordpress.com/tea-collection/tea-collection3/attachment/44/ which I bought in Riga, it was quite alright, but I’ve had better Pai Mu Tan from 5o’ Clock in Warsaw.
Yes you’ve had it
Pai Mu Tan (or Bai Mu Dan) is White Peony, its Chinese name
Teatropolitan,
“Looking sheepish as I type.” I guess I have had it. Perhaps I need to brush up on my Chinese. Thanks for enlightening this uncultured American!