Mar 19
Laura’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "The floral component is more subdued in the cup than it was in the aroma---though don't let that comment fool you into thinking that it is not there. There are also distinctive honey and apricot/peach notes in the cup."
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"Our organic white tea silver needle is scented with fresh osthmanthus flowers in a process similar to jasmine scenting. This silver needle yields a nectar-sweet infusion with notes of apricot and honey." --- Rishi website.I have to be real and admit first and foremost that plain silver needle (with the exception of some of the super expensive stuff) is kind of boring to me. I have to try too hard to taste it's special nuances and I really don't drink it that often. However, an osthmanthus silver needle is an interesting prospect. My sample package is not osthmanthus heavy in appearance, and it smells really delightful. The aroma has a nice floral component to it. It does, in fact, have notes of apricot/peach and honey in the aroma as well.
I am a 'tea hawk' when preparing my tea. I have some pretty exacting methods when brewing my tea. Generally, white teas brew 1-3 min when I don't having brewing instructions. Rishi suggests infusing this for 5 min!! I couldn't even allow myself to do that and infused it for only about 3 min. The floral component is more subdued in the cup than it was in the aroma---though don't let that comment fool you into thinking that it is not there. There are also distinctive honey and apricot/peach notes in the cup. I suspect from both a taste, price, and visual of the tea that this is not a super high quality silver needle. The osthmanthus does pair fairly well with white tea, but I think might prefer it more with oolong.
Since this was a 2008 WTC Winner, I am surprised that I don't like it more. I guess I have gotten spoiled and really want some really quality white tea when I drink it. This is somewhat tasty and I do like the apricot/peach notes paired with white tea. It is worth consideration, but requires careful attention in preparation.
— To purchase Rishi Tea Osthmanthus Silver Needle, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular blend, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.
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