Old Tree Yue Guan Bai, Moon Light White Pu'erh

Old Tree Yue Guan Bai – Moonlight-Withered White Pu'erh from Yunnan

Old Tree Yue Guan Bai, also known as Moonlight White, is a rare and distinctive tea that does not fit neatly into any of the six traditional tea categories. Some classify it as a white tea, others as a pu-erh. Either way, it is an intriguing and delicious product that gives specialty tea shops a strong conversation piece.

The name Yue Guan Bai means "white moonlight" in Mandarin. The tea was created in Yunnan by a Taiwanese tea maker who combined several craft techniques. Fresh leaves are picked from old tea trees and then withered slowly under the moonlight, or indoors away from the sun, until dry, in contrast to traditional pu-erh, which is sun-dried. This long withering leads to some natural oxidation, giving the tea a character reminiscent of black tea. The dry leaf is striking, with black-and-white leaves and a floral, woodsy, hay-like aroma. Brewed, it offers sweet hay with gentle florals, a light, sweet, woodsy and floral flavor with a hint of nectar, an almost syrupy mouthfeel and a soft, sweet finish. Interestingly, the liquor may darken after several infusions. It rewards slow gongfu sessions in a gaiwan, pairs well with fruit and light pastries, and when stored properly will continue to age gracefully.

Product Profile

• Type: Moonlight White (Yue Guan Bai), between white tea and pu-erh
• Origin: Yunnan, China; leaves from old tea trees
• Processing: slow withering under moonlight or indoors, away from the sun
• Dry leaf: black-and-white leaves with floral, woodsy, hay-like aroma
• Flavor: light, sweet, woodsy and floral with a hint of nectar
• Mouthfeel and finish: almost syrupy; soft and sweet
• Caffeine: contains caffeine (tea leaf)

Key Selling Points

• From old tea trees in Yunnan
• Unique moonlight-withering process with a compelling origin story
• Hay, floral and nectar notes with a syrupy mouthfeel
• Rewards multiple infusions, with liquor that may darken over steeps
• Continues to age gracefully when stored properly

Rare, sweet and intriguing, Old Tree Yue Guan Bai is a standout specialty tea for businesses catering to curious tea drinkers.