Harvested in the spring of 2001, this aged White Peony was grown in Zhenghe County. When Silk Road Teas purchased this lot, it was rated as highest-grade leaf (known as Zhending Big White - cultivar Zhenghe Da Bai). The bushes are members of the Da Hao or Big Sprout variety of Camellia sinensis. The cultivar grows to an unusually large leaf. The telling difference between this tea and contemporary White Peony offerings is the size of the leaves and the fact they have continued to oxidize, slowly building rich flavors of melon and herbs. As there is high degree of oxidization, the appearance of the leaves is rich, showing mixed shades of deep browns and greens. Yet, to the eye it is unmistakably Bai Mu Dan. We have aged this tea in our warehouse. Lot aged: 22+ years. Lot # ZDH.
Tea Facts. Lot was purchased in 2001. Cultivar is the Zhenghe Da Bai and cultivated as Zhending Big White. Cultivar was developed in the 1800s and is now indigenous to the area. The result is leaves that are quite large, show deep brown and muted green colors, and tellingly, unopened silver buds with a covering of fine, downy white hair. Tea has been stored in a warehouse with average temperatures of 63-68 F.
Lot Notes. Originally when this lot was purchased, it was rated highest grade Bai Mu Dan. Large leaves, the traditional style leaf coloration – combined with a rich mix of greens and browns and plump unopened buds, indicate a first-grade lot and yield a complex flavor. It is uncommon to find lots of conventional aged Bai Mu Dan of this quality. Tea has been stored in sealed wooden chests.
Tasting Notes. The taste of the tea has deepened over the years and the velvety sweetness of a high-grade white tea endures and grows richer. You will note a very full mouth feel yet it is clean and offers a naturally sweet, herbaceous lingering aftertaste. We note flavors of honey, chestnut and fresh peaches. The liquor color is now a deep golden-straw color.
Brewing Suggestions. Use 3-4 grams of leaf to provide plenty of flavor for 6-8 ounces of water. A rinse with water just below boiling is recommended as it will awaken the leaves and begin the steep process. If serving GongFu style, steep it briefly, about .30 - 1.0 minute and enjoy. It can be steeped far longer for more taste with no bitterness. Leaves will steep multiple times.
WHITE TEA
3 grams/1 tablespoon per 6 ounces of water
165° - 195° F
2 Minutes
White teas are produced in a brief window of time in the spring. The best whites are prized as they consist entirely of sweet buds. These teas are minimally processed in two steps – withering and drying.
Steeped white tea is delicate, extremely refreshing, and considered to contain less caffeine. The leaves will open to fresh floral, herbaceous, naturally sweet, and honey-like flavors. A stronger cup can be attained by extending the steep time.
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White peony tea
Absolutely love this tea! The smell, the taste- everything about it is so fresh and invigorating. It is now one of my most prized teas in my collection!
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Aged peony white tea
This is the first time I've tried aged tea and let me tell you, I loved it! Very refreshing mellow flavor. So glad I made the decision to get it!
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Amazing!
I love white tea, however this was my first aged white tea, and I loved it!
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A special tea
Delicate, slightly sweet. A winner, both hot and iced.
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Aged white peony
Better than I expected. Enjoyed as much as silver needle
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AMAZING
This aged tea is amazing. It's gotten richer and so much more full bodied in 19 years. It is a perfectly rounded tea- beautiful high notes and low notes as well as balanced. I brewed this Gongfu style (4 grams per 100 ml approx) and I was able to get a good 10 steepings. The body sensation for this tea is UNREAL: pleasant lightness, happiness, airiness, and it will VERY LIKELY get you buzzed (literally). I cannot believe the price of this tea! I am purchasing more immediately.
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Mild floral, umami taste
Overall tint is light brown; a mellow floral flavor with subtle, earthy undertones and a mildly astringent linger. Solid every day drink. I could not tell it "was from 2001 or not," but I was not disappointed at all.
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It is this summer's favorit
It is almost impossible to get this aged white tea in such price in China now. I love the rich aroma and flavor of it. I will definitely purchase more and store it as my favorite white peony tea!
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Beautiful Elegant Tea
The aging on this tea lends so much to the cup. Takes you on a wonderful journey like walking through a botanical garden early in morning on a summer day. There is a freshness which comes through ever so slightly with notes of rose, chrysanthemum, cherry blossom, honeysuckle, along with almost a grape wine peel and slight cherry to it. As you go through infusions, there are butter, honey, cantaloupe notes then shift to more earthy tones of walking through a cool forest, an old library book or newspaper note, and almost reminiscent of camping in the older canvas tents, all in a good way, along with more of a drying sensation as the minerality starts coming through. Lost track after eight or so infusions as it kept bringing more and it stays with you long after, wanting you to go back for another sip. Warmer notes linger in the fairness cup long after. Beautiful citrine, gold color which becomes deeper as you go along the journey. Truly a wonderful aged tea which is complex and perfect to settle the mind and spirit. Brewed in a flute brewer with 175 degree water.