2020 Bai Hao Yin Zhen “Silver Needle” Charcoal Roasted White Tea

This tea is a refined expression of Fuding’s finest white tea craftsmanship, sourced from Hulin Village, Panxi Town and produced by Li Jingjing. Recognized as the highest grade of white tea, Bai Hao Yin Zhen (白毫银针, “White Hair Silver Needle”) consists exclusively of tender, early-spring buds covered in a thick layer of silvery-white trichomes, giving it a delicate yet complex character.

Harvested in March 2020, this tea represents the first flush of the season, capturing the most tender and flavorful buds of the year. The leaves underwent a meticulous 48-hour withering process, followed by an extended 20-day resting period to develop depth and complexity. To further refine its texture and aroma, the tea was finished with a traditional 12-hour low-temperature charcoal roast, a process that enhances its sweetness and smooth, warming mouthfeel while preserving its characteristic elegance.

Freshly produced Silver Needle is celebrated for its light, floral, and delicate quality, but over the past five years, this tea has undergone a graceful transformation. Aging has softened its grassy freshness, deepening its profile into a mellower, richer infusion with notes of honey, dried fruit, and subtle woody undertones. The result is a silky, well-rounded tea with a lingering, warm sweetness that unfolds beautifully across multiple infusions.

Aged Silver Needle is prized for its ability to evolve over time, making it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and further aging. It can be gently steeped for a delicate, nuanced experience or brewed stronger for a more textured, full-bodied infusion. Some tea drinkers also choose to boil aged white tea, unlocking its deepest layers of warmth and complexity.

With the original stock now unavailable from the producer, fewer than 500g remain, making this 2020 Bai Hao Yin Zhen a rare find for collectors, aging enthusiasts, and those seeking a smooth yet layered white tea that continues to develop with time.