What is Tea Tasting?

Tea tasting is the practice of evaluating tea through sight, smell, taste, and feel to appreciate its full profile. Much like wine tasting, it’s an intentional process that reveals the unique story behind each blend—the soil it grew in, the weather it endured, and the care it received.

Tasting tea helps you:

• Distinguish quality grades and types.
• Recognize delicate flavor notes and aromas.
• Understand brewing methods and their impact on taste.
• Discover your personal preferences.

At TZB, we celebrate tea tasting as a ritual, a mindful moment that connects us to the journey of the leaf.

Types of Tea & Tasting Notes

Every tea has its voice. Here’s a snapshot of the most popular types of tea and what to expect when you taste them:

• Black Tea: Bold, malty, and brisk. Notes may include dried fruit, caramel, or spice.
• Green Tea: Grassy, vegetal, and sometimes sweet or nutty with hints of seaweed or chestnut.
• White Tea: Delicate and subtle with floral undertones, honeyed sweetness, and light body.
• Oolong Tea: Complex and layered, ranging from floral and fruity to toasty and mineral-rich.
• Herbal Tea & Tisanes: Naturally caffeine-free with flavors ranging from citrus and mint to floral or earthy.
• Pu’er Tea: Aged and fermented, delivering earthy, mellow, and rich umami tones.

Terylin tea blend is curated to express the purity of origin and a distinct flavor character.

The Tea Tasting Process: Engage Every Sense

True tea tasting engages all five senses. Here’s how we recommend experiencing your tea:

1. Look – Examine the dry leaves for size, color, and shape. After brewing, assess the liquor’s clarity and hue.
2. Smell – Inhale the aroma of both the dry leaves and brewed tea. Note floral, woody, or fruity notes.
3. Taste – Sip slowly, letting the tea roll over your tongue. Identify flavor elements such as sweet, sour, bitter, umami, or astringency.
4. Feel – Observe the mouthfeel—silky, creamy, sharp, or smooth?
5. Aftertaste – Pay attention to the lingering flavors and finish. Some teas bloom further after swallowing.

Tea Tasting Tips from Our Experts

To elevate your tea-tasting experience, follow these pointers from our tea experts:

• Water Quality: Always use fresh, filtered, quality water—it’s the backbone of great tea.
• Temperature Matters: Steep at the right temperature for your tea type to unlock optimal flavors.
• Palate Cleanse: Sip plain water or nibble unsalted crackers between tastings to reset your palate.
• Neutral Teaware: Use white ceramic or clear glass cups and bowls to appreciate the true color and clarity of the tea liquor.
• Distraction-Free Zone: Choose an environment free of strong smells or distractions to appreciate the aroma and flavor fully.
• Don’t Rush: Allow the tea to steep for the recommended time and savor each step of the process.
• Experiment: Adjust steeping time and tea quantity to match your taste preference.
• Multiple Infusions: Many high-quality whole-leaf teas can be steeped more than once, revealing different flavor dimensions with each infusion.

Perfect Pairings: Food That Complements Your Tea

Pairing the right food with your tea enhances the experience. Here are some perfect matches:

• Black Tea: Pairs well with rich desserts, grilled meats, or sharp cheeses.
• Green Tea: Great with sushi, steamed fish, or lightly sautéed vegetables.
• Oolong Tea: Complements dumplings, roasted duck, or almond cookies.
• Herbal Tea: Try with fruit salads, lemon cake, or light pastries.
• White Tea: Best with mild cheeses or cucumber sandwiches.

Experiment and discover pairings that spark your own moments that inspire.

Health Benefits: Savoring Wellness in Every Sip

Tasting tea is not just pleasurable, it’s a celebration of wellness. Most teas contain antioxidants, polyphenols, and calming properties that support:

• Immune health
• Digestive health
• Mental clarity
• Stress relief
• Cardiovascular wellness

Herbal infusions like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger also offer anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects. With TZB Limited tea, every sip is a nourishing choice.

Join the Journey: Taste, Learn, Enjoy

Tea tasting is a lifelong journey, and we invite you to explore it with us. Dive into our curated TZB Limited tea collection, or attend a tasting event to refine your palate and meet fellow tea lovers.

Discover the joy of tasting. Discover Terilyn Tea.