2023 100-Year Old Bush White

“100-year-old bush” (百年老树) gets used a lot in white tea—but what it actually refers to are older trees with deeper roots, slower growth, and thicker leaves. In the best cases, that translates to more depth, stronger structure, and a longer-lasting aftertaste.

But here’s the reality—not all old bush tea is the same.

Sometimes it’s just a label. And even when it’s true, age alone doesn’t guarantee quality. If the environment isn’t right, or the material isn’t good, the tea won’t be either. That’s why we focus first on how the tea tastes—not just how old the trees are.

That said… this one speaks for itself.

The aroma opens soft and inviting—fresh buttery rolls, light honey nectar, and gentle florals like wildflowers and rose. It feels warm, comforting, and slightly sweet right from the start.

Once you start drinking, the texture really stands out. It’s silky, smooth, and full-bodied, with layered notes of orange blossom, buttery pastry, rock sugar, and a subtle marzipan-like nuttiness.  A sweet, almost almond and cotton-candy-like aftertaste builds gradually, paired with a cooling sensation that settles in the mouth and chest and stays with you long after each sip.

Compared to freshly picked white tea, this 2023 batch has had 3 years to soften and round out. The brighter, fresh florals have mellowed into something warmer and more integrated—wrapped in those buttery, slightly sweet notes that carry through the entire experience, and delivers a more complex and satisfying tea session.

It’s also very forgiving to brew.

This is a tea that handles boiling water easily, making it simple to enjoy without needing to be overly precise about temperature.

Brewing Guide (Gongfu Style)

• 4g in a 90–100ml gaiwan or glass brewer
• Quick rinse with boiling water
  
• 1st infusion: 204°F (96°C), 30–35 seconds
  
• 2nd–4th infusions: 10–15 seconds
  
• Add ~5 seconds each round after
  
• Yields 12–14 infusions

Grandpa Style Brewing: If you want an easier approach, you can brew it grandpa style

• Add about 2 grams of tea into a mug or cup with a strainer, pour in hot water (around 204°F), and start sipping. 
• There’s no need to track time or worry about technique. The tea won’t turn bitter, and this method actually highlights more of its deeper, honey-like flavors.
• As you drink, simply top it up with more hot water to continue enjoying multiple infusions.

This is one of those teas that's easy to drink, brew, and like for both beginners and long-time tea enthusiass alike.

Notes: Buttery Dinner Rolls, Marzipan, Nectar, Wild Flowers, Orange Blossom