I'm usually pretty impressed with Stash, even if they're considered one of the "macro" companies. This adoration might stem from the fact that they're in my neighborhood, thus making acquiring so easy. However, I think my real reason would be their assortment of loose-leaf teas, of which they have plenty. Of course, it can be a hit-or-miss affair.

Their Mutan White is comprised of pekoe-grade white tea; a title I find puzzling because I thought "pekoe" only applied to black teas. The basic site description for this batch states that they use Fujian Province-produced, Mutan Village-cultivated "Dai Bai" (or large white) tea leaves. Silver Needle white (the highest grade/type) is comprised of rolled Dai Bai leaf buds. As such, I was expecting something light and subtle.

It wasn't.

The product description warned me ahead of time, but I paid it no heed; slightly fuller than your average white tea, and they weren't kidding. To me, the similarities between it and a Ti Kwan Yin oolong were undeniable. Leafy and burnt-looking, it smelled like an oolong as well.

I brewed the batch up with the usual instructions for a white tea - 2 teaspoons, 16oz. of water, 170 F, for five minutes. The liquor was smoky for a white tea, even deeper than a Bai Mu Dan. There was no subtlety at all - very in your face - unlike any white tea I've ever had. Not bad, per se, just not what I was expecting. I wouldn't kick it out of bed...er...pot, but it's not my first choice. I guess I just need a gentler touch in my white teas.

I'm delicate.

— To purchase Stash Tea Mutan White, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular tea, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.

Geoff Teaviews.com Reviewer » Read more about this reviewer on Geoff's profile page. » Find a list of recent posts by Geoff.

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