白牡丹茶

The hand-plucking really seems to matter — these leaves unfurl beautifully in the cup, releasing a subtle sweetness I haven't found in cheaper white teas. The liquor is pale and silvery, just as described, with a clean finish that lingers.

I’ve been brewing this white peony with water just below boiling and the hand-plucked leaves give a much smoother, more floral sip than my usual bagged teas. The pale silvery liquor is as pretty as the flavor.

This is my new favorite afternoon tea. The fact that it's made from young, unopened buds gives it such a gentle, floral sweetness that no other white tea has.