Silver Needle 白毫银针 (2020)

Tea Profile

Type: White Tea
Location: Jinping Village, Zhenghe County, Fujian Province
Altitude: 850–1200m
Harvest Date: April 2020
Cultivar: Da Bai Hao 大白毫
Age of Tea Bushes: Old garden tea trees (exact age unknown)

The Story of This Tea

Jinping Village lies on the border of Fujian and Zhejiang Provinces, surrounded by high and continuous steep mountains. Known as a "natural oxygen bar and summer resort," this region provides a pristine environment for tea cultivation. The ancient tea gardens sit deep in mountain valleys at altitudes between 850 and 1200 meters, where large day-to-night temperature differences extend the growth cycle of tea leaves.

The soil here is unique, derived from weathered volcanic gravel and shale, thin in layer yet rich in minerals and organic matter. This challenging but nutrient-rich terroir produces Silver Needle of outstanding quality. The 2020 harvest has developed remarkable sweetness and depth, with a thick yet balanced mouthfeel that immediately signals a high-grade white tea.

Aroma and Flavour

• Aroma: Clean, delicate fragrance with sweet floral and honeyed undertones
• Flavor: Rich and smooth, with layers of natural sweetness
• Texture: Thick and balanced with a refined clarity
• Aftertaste: Long-lasting sweetness that lingers on the palate
• Steeping Endurance: Retains its elegance for 8–10 infusions

Brewing Guidelines

Gong Fu Style

• Teaware: Porcelain gaiwan or glass teapot (clay teapots are not recommended for delicate white teas)
• Ratio: 5–6g per 100ml water
• Water: 85–90°C spring water
• Infusions: Rinse gently, then brew 8–10 infusions, adjusting steeping time gradually

Western Style

• Teaware: Glass or porcelain teapot
• Ratio: 3–4g per 250ml water
• Water: 85–90°C
• Steeping: 2–3 minutes for the first infusion, resteep up to 3–4 times

Why Choose This Tea

This 2020 Silver Needle from Jinping Village captures the essence of high-mountain terroir and the purity of the Da Bai Hao cultivar. With its rich sweetness, thick yet refined body, and lingering aftertaste, it stands out as a superior white tea that both connoisseurs and new drinkers will appreciate. A true high-end expression of Fujian’s most famous white tea.