80s Dry Stored White Needle Golden Lotus

Probably my all-time favorite among the shou I’ve sourced so far. Each time I drink it, it never fails to leave an impression. It has also left quite an impression on some of the diehard shou drinkers I’ve shared it with. 

White Needle Golden Lotus (白針金蓮) is a loose-leaf shou made from high-grade, tender material with a relatively high proportion of young buds. The name refers to the fine, needle-like buds prominent in the tea, with their white and golden hairs.

Dry-stored, which is a rarity for a tea like this. The flavor profile isn’t muddled; it is distinctive, concentrated, subtle, and refined.

The overall profile could be placed in the Shēn Xiāng (參香), or ginseng aroma, category, with a bitter medicinal note that transforms into a lasting sweetness. There is also a pleasant woody note and a noticeable aftertaste.

What I particularly appreciate is the balance between strength and softness. That is something I look for in aged teas, and this one manages to bring both qualities together very naturally.

The energy is calming, almost sedating, but in a good way. It’s ideal for a focused, contemplative session. It’s the kind of tea you can lose yourself in for a while. 

I know this is probably more than most would like to spend on a shou puerh, and I’ve been on the fence about offering it for that reason. But I think very highly of this tea and would encourage people to consider experiencing it for themselves. That’s why I’m offering it by the gram, to make it more accessible to those who are curious.