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TASTE Character: Character refers to the flavours present Attack: The attack is the initial impression of the tea,
that connect the tea to the terrier of a specific origin. the initial and immediate interaction of the tea on
Can you taste the high mountain character of the the palate.
Tea is often described as having attack (initial taste Taiwanese oolong, the dry winds of Uva Flavour
sensation), middle ground, and finish. These three Season, the brisk flavour of Darjeeling First Flush. Middle: The middle describes how the flavour
flavour dimensions come together to create the tea’s Intensity of character can be described as bland, develops beyond the initial flavour impression. Flavor
overall flavour impression. mellow, rich or complex. represents the coffee’s principal character, the
“mid-range” notes, in between the first impressions
A key aspect of evaluating a tea is the overall positive Complexity: Is it a complex tea that gives a wide given by the tea’s first aroma and acidity to its final
impression of the tea and the cupper’s assessment of sensory experience full of different flavours or is it flat aftertaste. It is a combined impression of all the
balance, or how well the tactile and flavour elements and plain? gustatory (taste bud) sensations and retro-nasal
of a tea fit together in a synergistic combination. aromas that go from the mouth to nose. Flavours
Note if there are any defects coming through in the range from being grassy, leafy, floral, fruity (e.g.
Taste Balance (Sweet, Acidic, Bitter), tea. Defects are negative or off flavors that detract stone fruit, citrus, grape, berries, Cherry), leathery,
(Low, Medium, High) from the quality of the tea. Defects include the smoky, tobacco, earthy, soy sauce, woody, caramel,
presence of Foreign aromas or flavours (off tastes) biscuity, nutty, chocolate, hemp, honey, vanilla, spice,
Taste Balance / Flavour Distinction: Taste Balance that may have originated from Chemical / Foreign winey, buttery, oily, Savoury and Marine.
is the harmonious interaction of tactile and flavour sources including Smokiness from faults in the
elements. Balance describes how all the aspects manufacturing equipment, rancid, damp or mouldy Sustain / Aftertaste: Refers to the flavour impression
of Flavour, Aftertaste, Acidity and Body all work flavours, over oxidized flavours and strong mineral of the finish. Aftertaste | Aftertaste is defined as
together and complement or contrast each other. notes including metallic and soil. the length of positive flavour (taste and aroma)
The balance can be described in terms of being qualities emanating from the back of the palate and
Sweet, Clean, Dry, Puckering or Sharp. Tactile Balance (Weight, Texture, Finish), remaining after the tea is expectorated or swallowed.
(Low, Medium, High) It also considers the length or duration of sensory
Sweetness refers to a pleasing fullness of flavour as engagement, or the time the flavour remains in the
well as any obvious sweetness and its perception. Texture/Body: Tactile flavor elements. Body mouth. Is it long, medium or short? Is it enjoyable? If
The opposite of sweetness in this context is sour, represents the viscosity of the tea in your mouth. the aftertaste were short or unpleasant, a lower score
astringency or “green” flavours. Acidity is often Body is primarily perceived between the tongue would be given.
described as “brightness” when favourable or “sour” and roof of the mouth. Some samples with lighter
when unfavourable. Acidity contributes to a tea’s body may also have a pleasant feeling in the mouth, Strength (Weak, Full, Intense)
liveliness, sweetness, and fresh character and is however thin body is typically considered less
almost immediately experienced and evaluated when desirable. Body can range from being Thin / Light / Strength: is the tea brisk and enjoyable or does it
the tea is first slurped into the mouth. Bitterness is Soft / Medium / Full and Heavy, with a smooth, thick, bite or irritate the mouth? Is there a dominance of
typically experienced in the back of the palate and velvet, or creamy texture. Another dimension of tannins associated with too much tea being used in
umami or savoury elements are experienced in the texture is astringency. How dry does the tea leave the the infusion. The tea should be of a strength where
middle palate. Sourness can typically be experienced mouth? Is there an oily residue present on the surface the flavours of the tea are easily discernible, and
in the sides of the palate. of your tongue? Fresh tea high in tip content often permit enjoyable consumption of the beverage until
coats the tongue with tea oils. the last sip. Note, judges are not required to consume
the whole beverage to make this evaluation.
Quality of infusion Evaluation