108 Tasting Notes
This tea was given to me in March of 2012 by a friend hoping to addict me to loose-leaf tea—and this tea was part of what hooked me. I didn’t know what to make of it on first sip. It grew on me as I drank more, seemed to have a complexity other teas lacked. I also found this is one tea that really tastes its best with milk—dairy or soy. Other teas might stand up to milk, this one I think is enhanced with it. And I usually prefer my teas without. Later my friend sent me another Assam (Gingia Estate) from TeaSource. And though I’ve found since I usually prefer TeaSource’s teas to those from Adagio, in this case I think Adagio’s Assam Melody has the edge.
Preparation
I’m a beginner to fine loose-leaf teas. This tea was gifted me in March with a variety of teas in an attempt to seduce me into loving tea—and it succeeded. At this point I’ve tried 22 different varieties of such teas—and this is topped only by another Darjeeling sold by TeaSource (Selim Hill.) So no, I’m by no means a connoisseur, but this is one tea that sold me on making tea a habit. Has a brisk sweet muscatel flavor. Good hot or iced, alone or with milk. I’m only leaving room at the end of this rating because who knows what teas I’ll try I’ll love more? But for now, very much a favorite.
Preparation
I liked this tea—so far it’s my favorite among the Greens I’ve tried which tend to be either too smokey (Gunpowder) or too vegetal (Dragonwell or Sencha) for my tastes. This one had a nutty, warm taste to me. When I ran out I tried another Hojicha, this time from TeaSource. I found I prefer the one from Adagio. TeaSource’s has an earthier, maltier taste and I prefer Adagio’s mellower taste.
Preparation
A sampler packet of Yerba Mate from Adagio was included with a box of teas and accessories from a friend. Among all those lovely teas this was lost on me—not something I’d ever order again. I rather agree with the review that called it straw-like. I’d describe it as grassy—and I’m not a fan of grassy.
Preparation
This was part of a White Tea Sampler pack a friend gave me. It’s described by Adagio as “airy” and the “lightest tea” they offer. Too light for my neophyte tastes—I could barely distinguish this from hot water. My aunt called it a “dirty water” tea for it’s light color and undistinguished taste. I didn’t find Silver Needles an improvement. I found I much preferred the more affordable White Symphony and White Peony.
Preparation
I really loved this tea. This was part of a Sampler Pack of four White Teas and this was definitely my favorite. The Silver Needles and Snowbud was far too delicate for my sensibilities—I could barely distinguish it from hot water. My Aunt dubbed it “dirty water tea” for it’s color and lack of taste. The Silver Needle Jasmine overachieved in flavor—all I could taste was the jasmine—it was like drinking perfume. It had a “buttery” complex taste, crisp but lovely and full bodied, sweeter and less delicate and more flavorful than Silver Needle. I later tried White Peony from TeaSource. They’re very similar in taste, but I’d give the Adagio White Symphony a slight edge. I wonder if it’s the equivalent of “Silver Peony” on TeaSource?
Preparation
This was included in a White Tea sample pack gifted me by a friend who was trying to turn me on to loose-leaf tea. It may be because I’m so new to teas, but I found this tea, often described as “subtle” far too mild for my tastes. I could barely distinguish this from hot water. Drinkable, but not something I’d like to try again. I liked the White Symphony in the sample pack much more, and later tried White Peony and found I also prefer it to Silver Needle.
Preparation
just looking at your brewing note….I don’t know how much you used, but the silver needle has most of its surface area concealing inside it, meaning it needs longer steeps. I would suggest for a better cup, take a clear, heat resistant glass cup and add about 3-4grams (about a 1tbsp-1.5tbsp) in 185 degree water. Cover the cup and watch the needles ‘rain’ to the bottom of the cup. Let steep about 5-7 minutes or until most of the needles have sank to the bottom. Drink. I think you will find it to be a better cup.
I always follow the instructions on the package—which usually means a teaspoon per cup of water, or two teaspoons sometimes in cases were the tea leaves are, shall we say, not the kind that easily lie on the spoon.
The thing is, this was part of a sample pack, and I clearly preferred “White Symphony” (which seems to be a combo of silver needle and white peony) and later TeaSource’s White Peony. So I doubt I’ll revisit the Silver Needle. If I ever do, I’ll keep your advice in mind.
A friend gifted me with loose-leaf teas and accessories just last March, so I’m very new to tea, and that might have affected my reaction. This was part of a sample pack of White Teas. The plain Silver Needle, often described as “subtle” was far too subtle for my tastes—could barely tell the difference between it and hot water. Combining that with Jasmine was a shock. To me it tasted like perfume. I found it undrinkable and gave it away to a friend.
