I finally did a Wuyi Origin order. After many recommendations, what got me to order was their new 2021 Shui Xian white tea. This is a fresh Shoumei grade experimental Shui Xian, that is typically for oolong but processed as white tea.
Leaf and Steeping Method
The leaves smell like copy paper, but once I got my nose really in there with a heated gaiwan, it smells like a powdery floral bouquet. Despite being experimental and shou mei, these leaves are spectacular with fuzzy buds.
I had a hell of a time getting 1g of leaf per 20ml into this gaiwan – these leaves are big! I steeped with boiling water. After an infusion, the leaves are highly fragrant roses and carnations.
Tasting of Wuyi Origin’s 2021 Shui Xian White Tea
First, Second, and Third Infusion: Despite the strong aroma, the flavor is light to start. Shui Xian White tea sips in rock sugar and cotton towels to start, but the more I sip, the more it has a green apple flesh note settling in the back of the throat but also bringing the strong floral rose into the mix. The texture is sticky and a bit dry, just like a granny smith apple. Shui Xian White’s aftertaste is a rose bouquet floral, with a powdery effect in the mouth after.
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Infusion: Shui Xian White flavor shifts to add a bit of honey over the tart baked apple with snap to them, with roses on top. All I am missing is the pastry for a lovely apple galette dessert.
Interestingly, I had a cooling feeling wash over my body while I drink this tea. These days I have been sensitive to how tea makes me cold or hot (mostly the latter) so this was a refreshing tea in the summer, even steeped with boiling water.
At the sixth infusion, the tea is finally cooked and gone unpleasantly astringent with a tangy golden raisin note. If you can power through the astringency and bitterness, rewarded with a golden raisin finish.
Comments
Wuyi Origin’s Shui Xian White is an impeccable fresh white tea with a floral aroma and fruity taste. It is a beautiful tea to steep and the quality is great.
On top of that, the price is nice – I snagged 250 grams for $32. Yeah, I blind bought 250g of this tea because I cannot say no to white tea.
