My introduction to fine and loose-leaf came several months ago in a box of teas from a friend that included a White Tea Sampler from Adagio. My aunt and I did like the White Symphony, it was described as a version of White Peony (Bai Mu Dan), but with more buds included. We found we liked it just a tiny bit more than TeaSource‘s White Peony—although the difference was subtle. So I ordered TeaSource’s Silver Peony next, described as a cross between Silver Needle and White Peony, hoping it would be analogous to Adagio’s White Symphony.
I can’t say I cared for TeaSource‘s Silver Peony. It was more reminiscent of Silver Needle than White Peony. Silver Needle is more expensive and more highly prized by tea connoisseurs it seems than White Peony, but my aunt and I found it hard to distinguish from a cup of hot water. Unfortunately, we feel the same about Silver Peony. I wouldn’t order this again. It’s drinkable, light, sweet, and I’m sure just chock full of antioxidant goodness—but just not enough taste for me.
Edit: I did like this more on second steeping. Maybe I just need to infuse this longer on first steeping than the suggested minimum of 1.5 minutes.
