Start with the material
Silver Needle emphasizes buds. Bai Mu Dan includes buds and leaves. Shou Mei includes larger leaves. For Gong Mei, ask what material and labeling standard the seller means. These descriptions help you ask questions; they do not authenticate a particular bag.
Fresh versus aged is another question
Ask for harvest or production information and storage history separately. A darker leaf or an old date cannot prove careful aging. Compare small samples with suitable brewing instructions before paying for age.
Choose for your cup
If you enjoy a lighter cup, start by sampling Silver Needle or Bai Mu Dan. If you prefer larger-leaf styles, explore Gong Mei or Shou Mei. This is a taste experiment, not a ranking by price or caffeine.
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