Pai Mu Tan

Pai Mu Tan – White Tea

Origin: China

Infusion Temperature: 75°-80° Celsius

Infusion Time: 2-3 minutes

Serving Size: 2-3 grams/200 ml

This exceptional Pai Mu Tan, also known as Bai Mu Dan, is a First Grade white tea harvested in April in the mountainous region of Baise, Guangxi, China. Made from the prized White Downy cultivar, this tea represents one of the most authentic expressions of traditional Chinese white tea craftsmanship delicate, minimally processed, and naturally rich in antioxidants.

The White tea, and Pai Mu Tan in particular, is known for undergoing the least processing of all tea types. The leaves are gently withered and lightly dried, never rolled or pan-fired, which allows them to remain largely intact and retain the natural bioactive compounds of the tea plant, including high levels of catechins and polyphenols.

In Chinese tea classification, quality is often determined by the harvest period and leaf selection. This Pai Mu Tan is First Grade, referring to a harvest that occurs in mid-April, just after the pre-Qing Ming period (late March). These first flush leaves offer an elegantly mild, fresh infusion with balanced sweetness and gentle floral notes. As the harvest progresses, subsequent grades (Second, Third, etc.) show larger, coarser leaves and more robust but less refined flavors.

Pai Mu Tan’s charm lies in its broad, silvery-green leaves and unopened buds, carefully hand-plucked and sun-withered to preserve their natural structure. The use of the White Downy cultivar results in a leaf style that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also slow to oxidize, giving this tea an extended shelf life and long-lasting freshness.

Thanks to its light body and naturally sweet character, Pai Mu Tan is well-suited for refined palates, delivering a tea experience that is both soothing and complex. It’s the kind of tea connoisseurs often describe as one that can only be fully understood by the spirit.

The infusion is soft gold in color, offering a gentle sweetness with notes of meadow flowers, fresh hay, and ripe melon. Its clean, smooth body and low theine content make it ideal for drinking throughout the day. This tea never overwhelms it envelops the senses in calm, bringing with it a quiet clarity that lingers after each sip.

The Pai Mu Tan tea is exceptionally rich in antioxidants (catechins, polyphenols), low caffeine suitable for evening or all-day sipping. Supports cellular protection and may help reduce signs of aging. Known for its detoxifying and immune-boosting properties.

Brewing Recommendation:

• Due to its high quality, this tea requires minimal leaf for full flavor.
• Dosage: 2 teaspoons (around 2-3 grams) per 200 ml.
• Water temperature: 75°C-80°C.
• Infusion time: 2-3 minutes.
• Multiple infusions: Yes – the same leaves can be re-steeped 2-3 times, each yielding unique nuances.

While Pai Mu Tan is delightful fresh, it also has excellent aging potential when stored properly in a cool, dry, dark place. Over time, it develops deeper, honeyed notes and a more rounded mouthfeel. If you’re a white tea enthusiast, consider also trying pressed Bai Mu Dan cakes, specially crafted for long-term aging.

Pai Mu Tan is a must-have for both seasoned tea drinkers and those new to the world of white tea. Its gentle power, rich history, and undeniable elegance make it a timeless favorite.