Jasmine Silver Needle is the Gem for the New Year

My Overall Impression (Score of 94.75 %)

ITeaworld just sent me samples over the Thanksgiving break and now I’m just getting to be able to talk about them.  It’s interesting as I sit and write this watching the snow fall.  Jasmine tea would be the last thing I’d be thinking about consuming.  During cold weather, I reach for something bold and normally dark for that depth and structure.

Yep, I was wrong.  One of the first aspects about beverage analysis I taught my students is to never assume you know what’s in the glass (even if you have tasted it several times).  You have to have a clear thought process unencumbered with pre conceived thoughts.

Opening the package, I was skeptical.  Not at the company’s blends as I’ve had these before and completely enjoyed them.  However, jasmine can be overpowering and honestly, not one of my favorites.  Again, I was wrong to come in with a clear mind.  This blend is incredible.

From opening the package, you are assaulted (and yes this is the word I want to use) by a deep jasmine aroma.  However, once brewed, this brew shines with an incredible delicate, luscious balance between the jasmine and silver needles.  Just unreal how good this tea is that made me sip again and again.

I’m looking forward to trying the other blends to review (this time with my mind wide open) and experience.  As I sip on this presently, this stands up to Winter just fine and seems to punch back a bit.

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• “^%*& WOW, that’s different!! This unique blend has my mind blown searching its depth for truly what this is and where it’s going to lead me.”

The Price

The price on 12/31/25 is $34.99 for 100 grams.

Broken down:

• 100 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 33 brews
• 33 brews from package = app. $1.06 per cup
• If brewed twice (and you can get more brews), the cost is 53 cents/cup

For the quality and work placed into this, this is a great value for such as interesting item.

Aromas

• Opening the package, you instantly are met with an intoxicating aroma of Jasmine that’s delicate but bold.
• Laying underneath are wonderful notes of seaweed and bean sprouts.
• Once brewed, notes of heady jasmine with hints of ginger/bean sprouts/ sunflower sprouts.
• The silver needle is there giving structure and depth as it drifts over the palate.

Flavors

• Beautiful integration between the floral and silver needle giving an exclusive contrast.
• It’s scary how smooth this brew is on the palate, even at medium body.
• Exceptionally refreshing and palate rinsing with a deep creamy texture.
• Under the jasmine, you find lovely notes of sweet peas, sage, sweet grass and lime zest.
• I love the off dry sensation that blends with the lighter acidity and tannins.

Scores

• Aromas (4.85/5)
• Flavors (9.25/10)
• Overall impression (4.45/5)
  • Total score = 94.75 percent (18.95/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• I hate saying this but this is a tea that is dangerous to pair so you can definitely drink this on its own merit and be completely satisfied. The Chef side in me is arguing this (as it always does) but this is a hard one to pair.  Remember that both the food and beverage have to elevate or taste better when paired with each other.
• Do not ask me why I thought of this but some lovely popcorn (cooked in coconut oil) dusted with lime pepper would just be amazing with this.
• A rich pork schnitzel (lemon caper sauce on side) pounded paper thin and fried until crunchy just has this tea matched.
• Roasted whole chicken just covered with stupid amounts of rosemary butter under the skin and roasted until that skin crackles when pulled off just sounds lovely with this brew.
• I’m a sucker for rich stews. I would love a stewing hen braised into a stew (with the big carrots, celery, etc.) and finished with a cream sauce, drizzled with rosemary oil – YES!!
• I’m sorry that I left out one of the staples. Roasted baby potatoes cut into wedges, and cooked until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
• I made this years ago and remember this fondly as we had to drive outside the city limits on dirt roads to find a remote pine tree to harvest the needles, steep a tea and make a sorbet. Add on thin biscuits (sorry Americans call them cookies) or Trader Joe’s Raisin Rosemary Crisps and you have an incredible match.