The compressed cake displays a mix of brown and tan leaves with fewer buds than other white grades. Dry material produces aromas of red dates, honey, and sweet pekoe. The leaves are larger and more mature than higher grades, with visible veining and structure.

The liquor steeps to a deep golden color with amber tones. Initial infusions bring soft honey sweetness with red date characteristics. The flavor builds into fuller body with continued steeping, developing rich, almost syrupy sweetness. The texture is smooth with warming qualities. Later steeps maintain the date and honey profile without thinning significantly.

Guanyang Town in Fuding City produces Shou Mei from later-picked, more mature leaves. Four years of aging has deepened the natural sweetness and softened any rough edges. Suitable for drinkers who prefer robust white profiles with pronounced sweetness over lighter, more vegetal styles.