Bai Hao Wang, Maofeng Green Tea, April 2026, 50g
"King of White Down" — a premium spring green tea of exceptional tenderness
Bai Hao Wang (白毫王) translates as "King of White Down," signifying the highest grade selection within this style of green tea. The name points directly to what makes this tea special: an extraordinary abundance of fine silvery-white hairs (baihao) covering each bud and young leaf — a hallmark of early spring picking and careful processing.
This is a Maofeng (毛峰, "Fur Peak") style tea, a category of Chinese green tea defined by its gently twisted, minimally handled leaves that retain their natural shape and downy coating. The April 2026 harvest captures the first tender growth of spring, when the buds are at their most nutrient-rich and aromatic.
Processing After hand-picking at a standard of one bud and one to two young leaves, the fresh material undergoes fixation (sha qing) to halt oxidation, followed by gentle rolling and careful low-temperature drying. The light touch throughout processing preserves both the delicate white fuzz on the buds and the tea's bright, clean character.
Appearance Slender, lightly twisted leaves with prominent silvery-white tips, giving the dry tea a soft, downy shimmer. The infusion is a clear, luminous pale green-gold.
Tasting notes Clean, sweet, and refreshingly smooth. The opening sip reveals gentle chestnut and fresh vegetal notes, followed by a subtle floral sweetness and a light, almost creamy body. Unlike grassier green teas, Bai Hao Wang leans toward a mellow, rounded flavour with hints of sweet grain and a cool, lingering aftertaste. The mouthfeel is noticeably silky, with a pleasant thickness that sets it apart from lighter green teas.
Aroma Fresh and inviting — a blend of spring greenery, sweet millet, and a delicate floral undertone. As the tea cools, the aroma softens into subtle notes of fresh hay and wildflowers.
Effect Gently uplifting and refreshing. Rich in amino acids and antioxidants, this spring green tea offers a clean, clarifying energy — perfect for morning sessions or a light afternoon pick-me-up.