Country of Origin: Nepal
Leaf Appearance: very green with lots of downy buds
Steep time: 3 minutes
Water Temperature: 180 degrees
Preparation Method: porcelain gaiwan
Liquor: pale yellow
It’s been a couple of years since I’ve shared any selections from Nepali Tea Traders here on the blog. For those that don’t know, they’re awesome because of their commitment to empowering the people of Nepal through tea. Their focus on sustainability is particularly important to me. Their founder, Maggie, also happens to be one of the nicest people in the tea industry.
This tea is named after a peak in eastern Nepal that is fittingly dubbed “Mother’s Necklace”. The ridges on each side are thought to resemble the arms of a mother protecting her child. Its hanging glacier is shaped like a pendant worn by Sherpa women. I was definitely intrigued when I saw that this was an autumn flush tea. Would it be different from the spring harvests that I’ve tried?
Leaf
If there was a Nepali version of Bai Mu Dan, this would be it. The plucking standard was very high. Nearly every leaf was a complete bud set and they were wonderfully whole. There’s just something about seeing fuzzy tea buds that makes me really happy! Nepali Tea Trader’s specializes in hand-plucked teas versus those that are machine harvested and it really shows. It was obvious even before I took my first sip that these leaves were handled with care.
Liquor
Ama Dablam white tea brewed up a pale lemony shade of yellow. The taste was incredibly mild and sweet yet very refreshing. I wouldn’t call it complex but there was a subtle floral quality that I found very soothing. There was also a fresh, vegetal hint in the background but it wasn’t unpleasant at all. Sugar snap peas are always my go-to descriptor when I encounter a tea with this note.
This would be a perfect tea to sip on a hot summer day. As much as I love gongfu, this tea is so delicate that western-style brewing is probably best. Even still I would strongly recommend using a wide infuser that won’t constrict the leaves. Extended steeps did well so I am curious to see how this tea would do when cold brewed.
Have you ever tried Ama Dablam Organic White Tea? Let me know about it in the comments below!
Ama Dablam Organic White Tea sample provided for review by Nepali Tea Traders.
