White Monkey 1st Grade Deluxe Green Tea

White Monkey takes its poetic name from the downy appearance of its young shoots, reminiscent of fine silver hairs. Harvested at the very start of spring in China, this exceptional tea demands a rare expertise passed down through generations of dedicated producers.

Graded 1st Grade Deluxe, it represents the finest quality of this outstanding harvest. Selected from our rare teas and grand crus, it is made for tea lovers in search of something both delicate and expressive. A singular Chinese gem worth exploring.

The aromatic profile of White Monkey 1st Grade Deluxe

The moment you open the bag, the leaves offer a fresh, lightly woody vegetal promise. The pluck, composed of young buds and tender leaves, gives this infusion a remarkable finesse.

In the cup, the liquor takes on a pale, almost crystalline yellow hue. The top notes evoke fresh grass and sugar snap peas, while the heart reveals subtle floral accents close to honeysuckle.

The finish is long, marked by a honeyed sweetness characteristic of fine Chinese green teas. No bitterness, just a silky roundness that invites a second cup. To continue exploring our collection, you may also enjoy our Lung Ching Superior green tea, another Chinese grand cru with notes of toasted hazelnut.

How to brew White Monkey 1st Grade Deluxe

Brewing this delicate tea calls for careful attention to temperature. Water that is too hot will scorch the young buds, releasing an unwanted bitterness that would mask the vegetal finesse you are looking for.

Recommended parameters:

• Quantity: 12 to 15 g per litre, around 2 teaspoons for a 30 cl teapot
• Temperature: 60 to 65°C, never boiling
• Steeping time: exactly 2 minutes
• Water: low in minerals, to preserve the subtle aromatics

A porcelain teapot or a gaiwan works best, as neither will interfere with the delicate profile. The leaves can be steeped two to three times, each infusion revealing a different facet of the tea. Savour this grand cru mindfully, at any time of day. Also worth exploring: our Mao Feng Hua Hai green tea, for a comparison of Chinese green tea styles.

Storage

Keep the leaves in their original resealed bag or in an airtight, opaque tin, away from light, moisture and strong odours. A cool, dry cupboard is ideal.

Consumed within twelve months of opening, this green tea retains its fresh vegetal character and honeyed signature in full. Those who enjoy bolder profiles may also appreciate our Assam SFTGFOP 1 Tonganagaon black tea for a different kind of pleasure.

Frequently asked questions

What is White Monkey green tea?
White Monkey is a high-quality Chinese green tea made from young buds and tender leaves tipped with fine silver down. Its name evokes the white fuzz covering the shoots harvested at the start of spring.

How do you brew White Monkey tea?
Use 12 to 15 g per litre of water at 60–65°C and steep for 2 minutes. Soft water and a porcelain teapot will best preserve its vegetal and honeyed notes. The leaves are well suited to multiple infusions.

Where does White Monkey tea come from?
This grand cru originates from China, where it is harvested at the beginning of spring. The careful pluck focuses on young buds and the first leaves, ensuring remarkable quality and a distinctly refined aromatic character.

Where can I buy White Monkey 1st Grade Deluxe tea?
Our house offers this cuvée in whole-leaf organic form, selected for its freshness and authenticity. You will find it among our grand crus, alongside other rare teas from China.