My Overall Impression (Score of 87 %)

Happy New year everyone.  It’s been a minute since I’ve put up a review.  However, trust me.  There will be a bunch more coming each week.  It’s funny that I always tell myself that I’m not going to purchase more tea and then…well you know.  Since I travel more now, I do have the option of getting to more wonderful tea shops around the country.  However, I still go back to my home bases and one of them is House of Tea in Toronto.

Today’s review from House of Tea is their Pai Mu Tan.  This brew has great character.  It shows lovely light notes like a white tea.  Then the green notes are layered over top which add a nice structure and flavor profile.  Typically, with white teas, I like to just enjoy them on their own.  However, this one can stand up to some bold food options.

I would pick this one up and do not let the price sway you.  While it may be shocking, working out the price per cup is very much worth it.  Plus, it’s possible to get a third brewing which increases its value.

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• This was my thought:
  • “Just drink me when you are down, drink me when you are happy, drink me all the time as I will always pick you up, relax you and reset you for the rest of the day.”

The Price

The price on 1/20/25 is $59.95 Canadian for 100 grams.

Broken down:

• 100 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 33 brews
• 33 brews from package = app. $1.82 Canadian per 8 oz cup or app 91 cents Canadian for a second brew.

When you convert this in US Dollars, it’s very affordable for a great cup of tea.

Aromas

• The initial aromas were a lovely green note of a blend of celery, fresh grass, green bell peppers, fresh green beans, and moss. That’s a lot but it kept swirling and changing.
• It also showed notes of white pepper, flower greenery, sage, and a hint of Asian spices (I like to describe it as walking into an Asian grocery store and just hints of great aromas are hitting you from all sides).
• Once brewed, it changed to a cross between apple and celery leaves integrated with the malt notes.
• It also showed hints of fresh grass, sage leaves, fennel fronds and star anise.

Flavors

• The lovely flavors of celery, green apples, fresh spinach are all subtle and hanging out.
• This is followed by notes of mint, basil, alfalfa, bean sprouts, lavender flowers, and a tiny hint of citrus rind.
• It shows great acidity, which is quite refreshing along with a strong body that stands up to be noticed.
• It’s off dry, showing some good tannins with a creamy mouthfeel. Just very enjoyable and structured.

Scores

• Aromas (4.3/5)
• Flavors (8.7/10)
• Overall impression (4.4/5)
  • Total score = 87 percent (17.4/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• As I mentioned before, you can enjoy this on its own and do like I do…a comfortable chair near a window, an enjoyable book (ok books on the tablet) and watch the snow fall.
• For an appetizer suggestion, I do love watercress and the chef in me always feels like its under-utilized. However, a freshly picked baby spinach and watercress sandwich or tortilla wrap with an Asian infused mayo would be a lovely fresh bite.  This can easily be expanded out for a fresh salad option.
• I absolutely love great Asian cuisine so some sauteed chicken with baby Bok choy either served over a fried rice or noodles would be wonderful.
• Chevre or an old clothbound cheddar would be excellent with this to munch on while sipping.
• Of course, a poached pear in an exceptionally light simple star anise infused syrup would match with this brew.
• Now, I’m going off tangent with this and I have no idea why I know this will work but fresh sliced peaches and cream just seems to be a perfect pairing.