At a glance: Snow Dragon 1st Grade organic, 100% young buds from Hunan (China). Brew at 70-80°C, 1.5 min, 12-15 g/L. Pale, clear liquor with soft, floral notes.
Our Snow Dragon 1st Grade belongs to the great family of Chinese white teas harvested in the very first days of spring. Only buds covered in a fine silvery down are selected, giving the cup its signature crystalline, velvety character.
This organic grand cru comes from the Qingshan estate in Hunan province. Grown using organic farming methods, it benefits from a high-altitude terroir and a patient expertise passed down through generations. our exceptional white teas to explore other treasures from the same family.
The aromatic profile of Snow Dragon
To the eye, the gently rolled buds call to mind small cocoons dusted with snow — the poetic inspiration behind this tea's name. Once steeped, they release a very pale yellow liquor of remarkable clarity.
On the palate, this white tea opens with exceptional softness, entirely free of astringency. The top notes are vegetal and milky, evoking the tender heart of a young spring bud. The mid-palate shifts toward delicate floral touches, almost honeyed in character.
The finish is long and silky, leaving a sense of great purity. This is a white tea to sip slowly, from a fine porcelain cup, allowing each nuance to unfold at its own pace. Also worth exploring: our Anji Bai Cha 1st Grade white tea to continue your journey through exceptional white teas.
How to brew Snow Dragon 1st Grade
Preparing this grand cru calls for a few simple but essential steps to preserve the delicacy of the buds.
- Dosage: 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre, roughly 2 heaped teaspoons for a 400 ml teapot.
- Water: low-mineral, lightly chlorinated water, ideally filtered.
- Temperature: 70 to 80°C. Our guide on how to brew white tea is the go-to reference for this delicate tea.
- Time: 1.5 minutes for the first infusion. The buds can be re-steeped 2 to 3 times, gradually increasing the steeping time.
Pour the water gently over the leaves, without disturbing the buds. Water that is too hot will destroy the aromatic subtlety and introduce unwanted bitterness. Try this grand cru as part of your morning ritual for a truly refined tasting experience.
Storage
Store the leaves in their original sealed tin, away from light, moisture, strong odours and temperature fluctuations. Properly protected, this white tea keeps for up to 24 months without losing its aromatic freshness.
Frequently asked questions
What is Snow Dragon white tea?
Snow Dragon is a Chinese white tea made exclusively from young silvery buds. Our 1st Grade version comes from the Qingshan estate in Hunan, harvested in spring using organic farming practices. The buds are delicately hand-rolled.
How do I brew Snow Dragon tea?
Use 12 to 15 g per litre of low-mineral water heated to between 70 and 80°C. Steep for 1.5 minutes for the first cup. The buds can be re-infused 2 to 3 times, gradually extending the steeping time.
What are the benefits of white tea?
White tea is prized for its gentleness and its very low caffeine content, making it a wonderful companion throughout the day. To learn more, visit our dedicated page on the benefits of white tea.
What does Snow Dragon tea taste like?
Its clear liquor opens with a soft, velvety character, followed by milky vegetal top notes, a honeyed floral mid-palate, and a silky finish with no astringency. A pure, refined tea to savour slowly. For everything you need to know, visit the complete guide to white tea.
