Sowmee White Tea

A toasty white tea hinting of oolongs, with a nice lingering taste. Sowmee (Shou Mei) is the fuller-bodied member of the white tea family: made from more mature leaves, it trades some of white tea's delicacy for warmth, depth and a gentle toasted character.

The result is the white tea for people who find whites too quiet — rounder in the cup, faintly honeyed, with that oolong-like toastiness carrying through a long finish.

Brew one heaping teaspoon per cup with water around 85°C for 3 to 4 minutes; it re-steeps generously. Lovely plain, any time of day.