Organic White Monkey

"White Monkey" sounds like a white tea. It isn't. Bai Mao Hou — 白毛猴, literally White Hairy Monkey — is a green tea whose name comes from the appearance of the young buds: covered in fine white-silver hairs (pekoe), said to resemble a monkey's paw. The hairs are a quality indicator, not a processing category. This is green tea, but the lightest expression of it.

The tea itself comes from the mountains of western Hunan, which is worth noting: White Monkey teas exist in other regions, but the Hunan mountain terroir gives this lot its specific character — that subtle note of melon, and the Sweet Annie (artemisia) that some people detect as a faintly herbal, almost floral note in the background. Neither is loud. This is a very delicate tea.

What makes it worth having: it simply doesn't go wrong. Tom brewed his at 195°F with longer-than-standard steeping and found it "never became astringent." Multiple infusions, full flavor across all of them. Cher found it "light, smooth, and tasty" with "no bitterness at all" even after re-steeping. For those who want a green tea that rewards attention without demanding it, this is the one.

Brewing: 190°F water, 3 minutes, 3 teaspoons (3g) per 8 oz cup. Forgiving of variations — Tom pushes higher temperature and longer steep without any bitterness. Good for multiple infusions.

Sourcing: Western Hunan Province mountains, China. USDA Organic. Special Lot — excluded from promotions, limited availability.

Does "White Monkey" mean this is a white tea?

No. The "white" in Bai Mao Hou refers to the fine white hairs on the young buds — it's a quality marker, not a processing category. This is green tea, just a very light and delicate one. Consumers often expect it to be similar to White Peony or Silver Needle; it isn't. It's closer to the lightest end of Chinese green tea.

What does White Monkey taste like?

Very light, smooth, with subtle hints of melon and Sweet Annie — a faint herbal-floral note characteristic of western Hunan mountain teas. Cher found it "light, smooth, and tasty... no bitterness at all." Tom: "Light and refreshing." Never astringent regardless of how long you steep it.

Is it forgiving to brew?

Very. Tom brews his at 195°F with extended steep times and reports no astringency whatsoever. Cher found the same. The general guidance is 190°F for 3 minutes, but this tea won't punish you for going longer or slightly hotter.

How many re-steeps?

Multiple good ones. Both Tom and Cher found the re-steeps delivered. Add about 30 seconds per subsequent infusion.

How much caffeine?

Around 25–30mg per 8 oz cup — standard for a Chinese green tea, on the lighter end given the bud-heavy leaf selection. Cher drinks it in the evenings; Tom in hot summer weather. Not a stimulating cup.