Strangebrew.com Coffee And Tea House: Tea Tasting

Tea Tasting

The following terms help people describe what they taste, and are commonly used by tea buyers and tasters. Don't let them inhibit you, your taste buds may tell you something different. But if you're not sure what you taste, start by reading some of our terms.

Astringency:
A live, pungent sensation on the tongue and gums. Astringency is not to be confused with bitterness, which is undesirable. Astringency gives tea its refreshing quality.

Body:
The tactile impression of thickness or viscosity in the mouth. Teas may feel light-, medium-, or full-bodied.

Bouquet:
A complex flowery or perfumy aroma.

Brisk:
A lively flavor found in high quality tea, as opposed to flat.

Character:
The aroma and flavor that can be associated with country, region, district, or even garden of origin.

Citrusy:
A lemon, grapefruit, or orange rind flavor.

Complex:
A flavor or aroma with many dimensions, as opposed to simple.

Fruity:
A sweet, fruity flavor, such as peaches, apricots, grapes or currants.

Malty:
A sweet, malted barley flavor.

Pungent:
Astringent with a good combination of briskness, brightness, and strength.

Self-Drinking:
Term applied to tea that has good quality and flavor balance, and does not need blending.

Smoky:
Ranging from subtle aromas of wood smoke or ash, to a very strong scent of smoke.

Toasty:
A pleasant baked or biscuity aroma.

Vegetal:
A general characteristic of green teas, ranging from grassy to herbaceous to seaweed.

*Be sure to check our schedule of events to see when Strange Brews will be having another coffee tasting event.