Snow Buds 1st Flush - Organic

This tea has been retired/discontinued.

Picture of Snow Buds 1st Flush
Brand:Rishi Tea
Style:Snow Buds
Caffeine:Caffeinated
Region:Fujian, China
Loose/teabag:Loose

This tea's info last updated: May. 12, 2014

Commercial Description

Organic Snow Buds (Xue Ya) is considered a new type of white tea that was developed in the 1980’s using authentic Fujian white tea bushes according to a special process that involves nuances of white tea and green tea production. Its clear infusion offers a fresh green flavor and aroma of roasted chestnut.

Brewing Instructions: (from Rishi Tea)

Water: 185°F / Leaves: 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces / Infusion Time: 5–6 minutes

Ratings & Reviews

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Reviewer pic77 Aroma: 7/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 4/5
(1452 reviews) on

This is very similar to the Xue Ya I tried from Adagio, but I prefer this tea as it is richer and more full-bodied.

I find this to be a very grassy tea, more like green tea than white. It has a sharpness, a bite to it. The cup is quite astringent and pleasingly bitter, but the finish is sweet and has depth to it. Light in color but full-bodied.

I imagine people who like white teas like silver needle or even bai mu dan might not like this one: it is strong. People who like the kick that grassy, pan-fired green teas have, but want something lighter and different, might really enjoy this one.

I found Rishi's brewing instructions to be a bit off. If brewed as instructed, it is overly astringent. I used a 2 minute infusion and then made a second infusion. The second is a bit thinner but still strong, and the shorter brewing time keeps the astringency in check a bit.

This is a little more expensive than Adagio's offering, and theirs is not cheap either. I think it's worth it; this one is organic, and I think it's a slightly better tea.
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