Yue Guang Bai Superior

One could be forgiven for mistaking these long, white-downed leaves for a giant kind of Bai Hao Yin Zhen, their appearance both elegant and beautiful. They produce, however, a somewhat more down-to-earth flavor, upping the usual white tea hay to a distinct fruitiness reminiscent of pear skin and an almost rough mouthfeel. The nearly colorless infusion then turns sweet, with the woody sweetness of licorice root complemented by the gentle sting of mint, a profile as chimerical as it is deeply satisfying. The secret may lie in the use of a local Yunnanese cultivar, in addition to drying by hot air. We humbly suggest it for your next white tea pick—after all, why let Fuding have all the fun?

Written by Dominik