A uniquely blended White tea rich in the comforting aromatics of fruit jams and creams combined with bright floral and rhubarb freshness. Perfect to drink now and age for years to come - a Tong would be my recommendation!
Sequel to the very popular 'Simple Dreams' cake released in 2022 - this series is designed to bring you delicious Shou Mei cakes made from excellent Fujian leaves which are still affordable because they are relatively unaged - drink immediately and age some cakes yourself.
Simple Dreams cakes are spectacular to drink immediately and once you try this tea you will find it hard to resist regular sessions. However, I recommend holding a cake or three back to age and mature (and raise the value of your collection considerably).
For this cake, we did something a bit different - blending two different styles of White tea.
The two Shou Mei's in this cake are from the same producer in the historic White tea growing area of Zhenghe. Less commercially famous than neighbouring Fuding, the Zhenghe area generally produces top-notch, sweet Whites which are a little more fresh and herbaceous.
Half of this cake is made from a pinnacle harvest of a classic Zhenghe Shou Mei, withered under the sun to develop that distinctive 'Shai Qing' taste - warm, floral yet bright. The leaves are different shades of pale greens.
For the other half of this cake, we asked the producer to craft a 'browned' version of the same harvest of leaves.
Browning of White tea is a practice which is becoming more popular in White tea-producing areas. It involves extending the wither and playing with the environmental conditions to bring about more oxidation and sweetness. This style of production approximates some of the tastes of an aged White which is so sought after - it is not the same as ageing but it makes tea similarly sweet, fruity, woody and creamy.
Our producer advised us against blending 'green and brown' Shou Mei into the one cake - it was unconventional and risky to him and we have no idea how the two teas will develop together over the years. But, isn't that unpredictability part of the fun of tea?
I am buzzing with happiness with the resulting tea. The added oxidation has brought a sweet and creamy Black tea character to the blend which dances perfectly with the flowery, nutty and herbal notes of the 'greener' tea.
Drinking this blend now and I am filled with images of British 'High tea' - strawberry jam slathered on warm raisin scones with a dollop of whipped cream all enjoyed in an old hotel dining room with antique woods. But then, pair those scones with a light elderflower and rhubarb cordial laced with a touch of genepi spice - lightness, brightness and greener.
The blend is a winner and I think that the producer is going to have to drink his words when he tries the brew.
Body sensation is pretty fun too - heating and comforting with a bright trippiness which brings a glint to the eyes.
Who knows how this tea will age but with a start like this, I can only drool with anticipation.
Simple Dreams 2 is one of Celine's favourite teas of the year:
