Tea Review: Pai Mu Tan (Metropolitan Tea Company)

Pai Mu Tan
Metropolitan Tea Company
Type: White
Origin:  China, Fujian Province
Product Description:  Since the early days of export, white tea's processing style has largely remained unchanged - fresh tea leaves are delivered to the factory on foot, withered and dried naturally - no further action required. Pai Mu Tan is an excellent example of this simple production. The full tea leaf ranges from pale green to silvery with lots of nice tips. Stark contrast between the tea leaves gives the tea very natural look that, in turn, gives way to a pure and natural cup of tea. Round and full-bodied, this Pai Mu Tan white Tea dazzles with subtle layers of peach and assertive floral notes.

Temperature:  175° F
Amount:  2.5 grams
Steeping Time:  3 minutes

The dry leaf aroma was flowery and sweet.  There was also a hint of something that reminded me of dates and peaches.

The infusion was bright with a golden amber color and an aroma of flowers and sweet squash.  The flavor was difficult to pin down.  I detected something herbal like thyme in the first infusion and light fresh spinach on the second infusion.  There was also just a hint of something nutty like almonds and a velvety finish.

This tea holds up quite well through three steepings, though I would stop at two when serving guests.  With the onset of autumn, acorn squash has been on the menu and that is the aroma I picked up from the infusion, making this an unexpectedly seasonal treat.  

This was tea was provided as part of a workshop.