White Dove is a nickname given to a cultivar that is almost extinct. At the time of it's peak, it was only given a code 72-209 or as the local calls it simply 209. We know very little about cultivar itself, other than it was delicate with very fine buds, making it difficult to care for. But as often with many things, hard work and patience paid off and those farmers who kept cultivating White Dove were able to make amazing tea out of it.
I tend to cherish every tea, but knowing that when aged tea supplies will run out, it will be exponentially harder to enjoy this particular cultivar, I give it even more attention, and it’s so worth it. Aromas are very complex and beautiful, warm and musky sweet, with notes of cream, wood, cacao, chocolate, white sponge cake and honey. Liquor is smooth, buttery thick, with warm notes clean, dry wood, cream, dried red fruit and butter.
I’m grateful for being able to enjoy this tea, not only because it becomes more and more rare, but mostly because of how satisfying experience of drinking it is.
Cultivar - Strain Code 72-209 (White Dove)
Elevation - 500m
Picking - Up to three leaves
Storage - Taiwanese Natural