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I’m still relatively new to the world of tea, and just began exploring white tea as everything I read led me to believe it was an acquired taste. I also don’t like strong tea, but do like it to have a lot of flavor and wasn’t sure I’d like the “delicate” taste of white tea.

Anyway… that’s my “caveat” to this review!

The first white I tried (a couple of days ago) was Adagio’s White Peony. I liked it well enough and thought it could even grow on me. Tonight I tried the White Symphony, and wow!

I used the directed two heaping teaspoons. The package instructions say 195 degrees F (and that’s what I did with the White Peony), but I dropped this one to 185 degrees (the setting for white on my electric kettle. I’ll have to try the White Peony again at the lower temperature.

My impression is not grassy or vegetal at all (something I definitely haven’t acquired a taste for). It has a very subtle and pleasant floral aroma, but does not taste “perfumey.” There is NO astringency at all – I’ve not experienced that before with tea. No aftertaste, which I assume has something to do with the lack of astringency.

It is very slightly fruity and reminds me of the nectar we used to suck out of field clover as a child (perhaps what others describe as honeydew).

I like my tea with what is probably a sacrilegious amount of table sugar (8 oz of black tea get 1.5-2 tsp). This cup got only 1 tsp and I think I might still like it with even half that.

Great introduction to white tea!

Preparation
185 °F / 85 °C 3 min, 0 sec

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I spent some time in the south (U.S.) many years ago where I developed a fondness for Southern Sweet Tea (if you’ve never had it, imagine iced tea as sweet as kool-aid and you might be close!). I’ve also liked the occasional cup of hot, but never got into a regular habit.

During a trip to New York last year that involved staying in a high-end hotel, I discovered Tea Forte’s English Breakfast and had the revelation that not all tea is created equal. I’ve since become a bit obsessed with both learning about tea varieties and proper preparation. And now, a year or so later, I have a variable temp electric teapot, sneak new tea into the cupboard when my husband isn’t looking, use the word “tisane” in everyday conversation, and just completed my first (and very successful!) tea swap!

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Michigan, USA

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