551 China Silver Needle White [HOME]
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Reviewer: A tea Drinker, West Bend ,WI
August 31, 2009
I've tried this tea alone, and it's pretty subtle - the other reviewers are correct. However, that is what I love about it! White tea packs a powerful punch in the health department, and this tea is so subtle that I can add it to just about any other tea without changing the flavor. I add it to the phoenix pearls, the monkey picked oolong, honeybush vanilla - basically every cup of tea I make. It is pricey, but I generally infuse my tea multiple times, and the health benefits make it worth it to me.
Reviewer: ERIC QUAINTANCE , Philadelphia, PA
April 13, 2009
I purchased 2 oz of this #551 tea. Given the fact that it is relatively expensive ($16) compared to other silver needles I have tried in the past, I was not entirely impressed with this one. I think the tea is of average quality. In other words, it's good, but I was expecting more. I enjoy my whites stronger than I was able to brew this one without becoming bitter. Out of desperation, I eventually resorted to using many times more than the label recommended. I always used a preheated 16oz pot of 175-180 degree F water and tasted the tea at 2,3,4,6,8, etc. minutes, but could not find taste I was looking for. Before becoming strong enough, the tea starts to taste bitter and/or grassy (almost like a green tea, though not as much). You can steep this tea more than once, but you better use less water subsequent times, as it will be even less flavorful. If you are like me and prefer strong, silky smooth, very flavorful (not watery) white teas, then this tea may not be for you; I personally recommend trying a sample prior to spending $$ on it. This is what I love about specialteas.com--the ability to try small quantities of tea before purchasing a significant amount. Take advantage of it!
Reviewer: JOSEPH ARELLANO , WHEAT RIDGE ,CO
April 13, 2009
This is my absolute favorite tea. It has a subtle smooth flavor that is entrancing. Would greatly recommend
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Mahwah, NJ
March 10, 2009
I decided to try this tea after reading about white tea having even more health benefits than green tea. I brewed it exactly like they recommend and was rewarded with the most delicate and sophisticated cup of tea I have ever tasted. Then I infused it again and the second time around it was even more flavorful. The third infusion was the lightest of all, but I still enjoyed it tremendously. I like the fact that SpecialTeas includes the health benefits in the tea descriptions without getting too far fetched or trying to make you think that drinking tea will cure all your ills.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, MILLVILLE ,NJ
February 17, 2009
SUBLIME!!
Reviewer: Victor, Wahby, Fanwood,NJ
January 24, 2009
What's all the hype? Japanese green teas are my favorite and I've tried a lot of them. My hopes for this high priced and regarded tea were great, but if this isn't the kings cloths I don't know what is. Straw. Bland. Recommend Himalayan Green and Gyokuro by a country mile.
Reviewer: RENATO N , SUMERA , Las Vegas ,NV
December 29, 2008
From the free 1/2 oz. sample rec'd....this tea is fairly subtle....almost delicate in flavor, infused with smoky/toasty hints.
Reviewer: Chris , OConnell , Buffalo ,NY
August 06, 2008
I really like this tea with a nice piece of qulity cheese and the Sunday paper. It has nice flavor and one of the smoothest around. It is very similiar to White Peony, which is a staple in this house. Attn SpecialTeas: Have you heard about steeping this tea for 10-15 min. That just sounds crazy to me. Whats next - roaring boil?
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, DEL VALLE ,TX
April 03, 2008
This is an incredible tea. So mild yet fragrant with no strong lingering after tastes or bitterness. Floral after notes. Good tea to drink all day in the office with an occasional top up of hot water. Destined to be one of my favorites.
Reviewer: Richard , Goldman , Brookline ,MA
October 05, 2007
It's sweet. It's woody. A soupçon vegetal. Fruity. Full. But soooo refined & subtle. Take your time and enjoy. There's nothing else like it, and I love it. Yeah, it's pricey. But don't skimp on the leaves. Brew as directed, and you'll get 3 or more quality infusions.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Pittsburgh ,PA
April 26, 2007
Very mild and pleasant with a lot more flavor than might be expected from the light aroma. I find 551 to be very similar in many ways to 557; perhaps a bit lighter and sweeter with less of a spice note.
Reviewer: Andrew, Golder, Philadelphia,PA
January 19, 2007
This is a very subtle tea but it has a lot of depth. I wouldn't spend the money on it unless you've been drinking green tea without sugar for some time, sugar will overpower the flavor of this tea. It's most dominant flavor is nutty/toasty, but underneath that is something that is distinctly sweet with hints of flowers and other flavors. I will admit I had to drink this several times before I noticed the more subtle flavors. I have found that with a very quick infusion (10-15 sec) the subtle flavors aren’t as overpowered This is a tea for true connoisseurs.
Reviewer: Mark , Fletcher , Southern, NJ
January 11, 2006
I really wanted to like this tea. The aroma from the bag is terrific, as is the appearance of the leaves. The tea has a strong grassy taste, however, like other white teas I have tried. White tea is definitely not for everyone.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Gages Lake,IL
September 22, 2005
I have purchased Silver Needles White Tea from a variety of different places and this one is by far the best!! Instead of following their suggestion by brewing the tea for only a few minutes (thereby allowing for multiple infusions), I suggest only brewing the tea once, for at least 15 - 20 minutes, to get the full flavor. There is no bitterness - just a very smooth wonderful taste. THE BEST!!
Reviewer: Ken , Calhoun , Silsbee ,TX
August 04, 2005
Not much to this. Too bland. More like hot water than tea. Will not buy again.
Reviewer: T-bone,
Incredible...each new sip, each new infusion yields a new melange of flavors. Fruits, nuts herbs...it's all there. I infused 4 times and came to the conclusion that I probably could have done more. Worth every penny.
