When I saw this on the list of white teas I couldn't help myself but order it, the shape and form of the individual "leaves" (they're buds, I know) was so enticing, and fitting the name of "dragon claw" (Trà Móng Rồng). Or, perhaps that, or, small insect cocoons from a delicate insect that has formed a shell in the attempt to develop and sprout its wings and take flight. Either way, a very handsome and unique shape for tea, and a variety I have never heard of, I had to try it.
When it arrived I was happy to see it wasn't simply cherry picked imagery, it looked exactly as depicted, which I know it silly and unimportant for a tea (the appearance means nothing) but I can't help but admin it was a selling factor for it. And upon steeping it and giving it a try, I was certainly impressed.
_Need image of tea leaves, awaiting time to do that
The tea comes from Ha Giang Province, more specifically Tay Con Linh Mountain peak, and a first for me- I had never had a tea from Vietnam before. This isn't a sign of any bias of course, I've just been out of the tea game for a while. But it's had quite a first impression to the world of tea from Vietnam.
The flavor is a very fresh, "green", and clean flavor, reminiscent of the fresh pine sprigs that appear in the spring (if you're familiar, they have a pleasant flavor and are high in vitamin C), maybe aloe, or perhaps due to the slight sugary sweetness the flavor or taste of lychee. A subtle sweetness that doesn't feel overpowering or artificial.
If following the directions on the bag (205*, and 2-3 minutes) the color is faint, a slight yellow-green hue. A pleasant and appealing color, but when first steeping I had worried if I didn't let it sit enough! Though, letting it sit in the pot longer while I finished my first cup I was pleasantly surprised to find the flavor deepened with more time into a bolder and louder form of the prior profile.
Out of all teas in recent (and distant) memory, this is one of my favorites I've had the pleasure of trying so far, I'd easily give it a 9/10. Do not hesitate to give this one a try.