Country of Origin: Malawi
Leaf Appearance: deep green, tightly rolled
Ingredients: white tea
Steep time: 3 minutes
Water Temperature: 175 degrees
Preparation Method: glass teapot
Liquor: gold
When Satemwa Estate reached out and offered to send some samples, I jumped at the chance. I previously reviewed their White Antlers, sent to me by +Tea Journeyman Shop, and I was really impressed with how well they treat their workers when I met them at World Tea Expo. The leaves are hand rolled into little cocoons. They were not quite a pearl since the shape was more oblong but it was close enough. I used eight pearls in my two cup teapot and that seemed to be the right balance. The taste was incredibly complex with a ton of sugar cane sweetness. Fruity notes filled the mid-palate and finished in a unique creaminess. Their description likens it to lemon meringue and I can definitely see that connection. I enjoyed three consecutive infusions and it only grew sweeter each time. Once unfurled, the leaves were quite large and mostly whole. This tea is a great example of the things that are being accomplished in growing regions when the focus is shifted from CTC production. I think we will see some amazing things from Malawi in the coming years.
Zomba Pearls White Tea sample provided by Satemwa Estate.