Tea tasting is an art that involves evaluating the quality, flavor, aroma, and appearance of different teas. This guide will help you conduct a tasting for both CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea and Orthodox tea, ensuring you appreciate the unique characteristics of each type.
Preparing for the Tasting
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- Tea Samples: Select a variety of CTC and Orthodox tea samples for tasting.
- Tasting Cups: Small white porcelain cups are ideal for observing the tea’s color and clarity.
- Teapots or Infusers: Use clean, neutral-flavored teapots or infusers to brew the teas.
- Kettle: Ensure you have access to fresh, clean water for brewing.
- Tasting Spoons: Silver or stainless steel spoons for sampling the tea.
- Note-taking Materials: A notebook or tasting sheets to record your observations.
2. Set Up the Tasting Area:
- Clean Environment: Ensure your tasting area is clean and free from strong odors that might affect your perception of the tea.
- Good Lighting: Proper lighting helps you observe the tea leaves and liquor accurately.
Tasting CTC Tea
CTC tea is known for its bold flavor and strong aroma. Here’s how to taste it:
1. Observe the Dry Leaves:
- Appearance: Look at the dry CTC granules. They should be uniform in size and color, typically dark brown to black.
2. Brew the Tea:
- Water Temperature: Boil water to 100°C (212°F).
- Quantity: Use about 2 grams of CTC tea per 200 ml of water.
- Brewing Time: Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes, depending on your strength preference.
3. Observe the Liquor:
- Color: The brewed tea should have a rich, dark amber to red color.
- Clarity: Check for clarity and brightness in the tea liquor.
4. Smell the Aroma:
- Aromatics: Inhale deeply to capture the tea’s aroma. CTC tea typically has a strong, malty scent.
5. Taste the Tea:
- First Sip: Take a small sip to get an initial impression.
- Swirl and Slurp: Swirl the tea around in your mouth and slurp it to aerate the tea, which helps release more flavor.
- Evaluate: Note the tea’s strength, briskness, and any astringency. CTC tea is usually robust with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Note the Aftertaste:
- Finish: Pay attention to the aftertaste. Good CTC tea should leave a pleasant, lingering flavor.
Tasting Orthodox Tea
Orthodox tea is appreciated for its complexity and nuanced flavors. Here’s how to taste it:
1. Observe the Dry Leaves:
- Appearance: Examine the color, shape, and size of the dry leaves. High-quality Orthodox tea leaves are often well-twisted, whole, and have a vibrant color.
2. Brew the Tea:
- Water Temperature: Heat water to about 90-95°C (194-203°F) for black Orthodox tea and 70-80°C (158-176°F) for green Orthodox tea.
- Quantity: Use about 2 grams of tea per 200 ml of water.
- Brewing Time: Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes for black tea and 2-3 minutes for green tea.
3. Observe the Liquor:
- Color: The brewed tea should have a clear, bright color. Black tea usually ranges from amber to dark red, while green tea is typically light green to yellow.
- Clarity: The tea liquor should be clear without any cloudiness.
4. Smell the Aroma:
- Aromatics: Take a deep breath to capture the tea’s aroma. Orthodox teas can have a wide range of scents, from floral and fruity to earthy and spicy.
5. Taste the Tea:
- First Sip: Take a small sip to get an initial impression.
- Swirl and Slurp: Swirl the tea around in your mouth and slurp it to enhance the flavor experience.
- Evaluate: Note the tea’s sweetness, bitterness, astringency, and any unique flavors. Orthodox tea should have a balanced, complex taste profile.
6. Note the Aftertaste:
- Finish: Pay attention to the aftertaste. Good Orthodox tea should leave a lingering, pleasant flavor that may evolve over time.
Recording Your Observations
1. Use a Tasting Sheet:
- Attributes: Record observations for appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.
- Scoring: Use a numerical scale to rate each attribute for a more structured evaluation.
2. Compare Notes:
- Consistency: Compare your notes with other tasters if possible to ensure consistency and objectivity.
- Preferences: Identify which teas you prefer and why, noting specific characteristics that stood out.
Conclusion
Tea tasting is an art that requires practice and a keen sense of observation. By following these steps, you can develop a deeper appreciation for both CTC and Orthodox teas, understanding their unique qualities and flavors. Whether you are a tea enthusiast or a professional taster, this guide will help you enhance your tea tasting skills and enjoy the rich world of tea even more.
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