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derk drank 2018 Arbor White by white2tea

1644 tasting notes

Like the 2018 Arbor Red, I steeped the white version over the course of two days, though I did not take notes.

At this point, the oxidation is developing well and the tea is veering into malty white territory. It has a distinct character different from the few other white tea cakes I’ve tried, not so much red fruit tasting. First several steeps were the best, being thick, heavy, and sweet, with a creamy and floral component that was almost coconutty. Autumn leaf and malty backbone and hints of apricot and tropical fruits. One infusion was pure, dark honey. Tonal tea overall. A western steep of 2g in 8oz water off boil fell very flat in comparison to gongfu.

A great tea, especially for those looking for depth and complexity in a white cake. I agree with White2Tea’s description that Arbor White deserves an immersive session. Thanks so much for the sample, Togo :)

Flavors: Autumn Leaf Pile, Coconut, Creamy, Floral, Heavy, Honey, Malt, Metallic, Petrichor, Sweet, Thick, Tropical, Vanilla, Wood

Preparation

Boiling 5 g 3 OZ / 100 ML

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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. Yet I persist.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, and Nepal. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possesses off flavor/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s puerh, I likely think it needs more age.

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