Silver Needle White Tea

Description

Silver Needle is nothing but unopened buds, which is why it costs what it costs — a kilo of finished tea is tens of thousands of individual picks. This lot was picked across a handful of dry spring mornings, which matters more than almost anything else.

Withering is done outdoors on bamboo trays and finished at low heat. The liquor is almost colourless for the first two infusions and then settles into pale straw. Melon rind, hay, a little raw honey.

How we drink it

Contrary to what most guides say, we brew this hot and short. Cool water gives you a polite, empty cup. Heat pulls the sugars out without turning it harsh.