White Peony (Bai Mu Dan)

I don’t know that much about white teas but I am trying to further my education. I found this in the bulk section at Whole Foods so the risk of not liking it was relatively low.

These are quite beautiful long silver needles and they smell quite fresh and lovely. I have to admit my water temp has probably been a bit hotter than what they recommend but the tea does not seem to have suffered.

I am looking for the grape they have mentioned here. Grape? I don’t really get that at all. I can definitely get the honeydew melon and maybe some pear. This tea is making my tongue tingle. The only other Bai Mu Dan I’ve had is the one from Teavivre, and I don’t think this is quite as good as that one, not as sweet and flowery. But I do not think I’ll have any problem finishing this off and I might even use it in a blend.

I’ll be honest. Non-flavored whites freak me out. The dry smell of this one especially! I got this as a gift. I’m feeling a bit guilty for not getting around to this sooner. The hardest part of brewing the small amount I did, about 150ml, is that I only added as much as I guess-timated would be the best.
The smell on this one is very, well, dry. I find it has a lot of hay like notes. The liquor itself is very light and surprisingly has a very strong smell.
But oh my gosh. I’m so glad I tried this one! I think the water should have been heated just a bit higher b/c this is already cool and it’s only been 2min. But it is much sweeter than I thought it would be! The sweetness is actually in the forefront of this cuppa.
I actually really enjoy this tea! Coming from someone who avoids this type of style generally I am floored. This is an extra silky, extra sweet liquor with a small amount of dry/hay flavor that right now I’m willing to overlook.

Very light. Very floral, but not overpowering. Leaves are a combination of bright and dark greens, and silver buds. I used two full teaspoons. Next time, I think I’ll use three. Try to boost the flavors a bit.

Can’t say I was very impressed with this Bai Mu Dan, which is too bad because the dry leaves looked and smelled incredibly lovely. The aroma was full-on “grape”, not just a hint of grape – bold. That trait, however, only translated partially to the taste; a flavor I liken to smoked vegetables by way of melons. I don’t think I over-brewed this, for I was well within the steeping parameters. It just wasn’t my usual cuppa. Still on the decent side, though.

Full Review: http://www.teaviews.com/2011/01/09/review-silk-road-teas-white-peony/

light and refreshing, very nice

This is my first BaiMuDan and I must say I’m enjoying it. At first I had a hard time picking out the flavors but as it cooled the thing I tasted most was honey! I prepared at 175 degrees for 2 minutes, about a heaping TB worth for 12 oz of water. It was hard to tell as the leaves are large. Nummy.

A nice light, floral tea. The leaves themselves smell great and have a nice appearance. Pretty good price for 2 oz of this white tea.

A good basic white peony. One of my staples.