The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Tea Tasting Event
We've all been invited to beer tastings, wine tastings, or even bourbon tastings. But when was the last time you were invited to a tea tasting? Despite being one of the world’s most beloved beverages, tea is often overlooked as an experience worth savoring in the same way we do with fine wines or craft beers. But that changes today! Hosting a tea tasting is an excellent way to explore the vast world of tea, refine your palate, and share an enriching experience with friends, family, or even customers.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to host a successful tea tasting, from choosing a theme to preparing the tea and guiding your guests through the process. We've even created a Tea Tasting Scorecard to help you and your guests record your observations.
Step 1: Choose Your Tea Tasting Theme
A tea tasting can be structured in several ways, depending on what aspect of tea you want to explore. Here are some ideas:
- Black Teas Only – Compare different black teas from various regions to explore how terroir and processing methods influence flavor.
- Teas from Around the World – Sample teas from China, Japan, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Taiwan to appreciate the diversity of global tea traditions.
- Tea Brewing Methods – Brew the same tea using different methods (e.g., gong fu style, Western-style, cold brew) to see how preparation affects taste.
- Teas from a Single Estate – Choose teas from one tea estate to delve into the nuances of a single producer’s craftsmanship.
- Teas from a Single Brand – Select only teas from one brand. Consider Route 636 Tea Co. to let your guests experience a curated selection of high-quality, sustainably sourced teas.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
To host a smooth tea tasting, you’ll need:
- A variety of teas that align with your chosen theme.
- Filtered water for the purest taste.
- A kettle or temperature-controlled water heater to ensure accurate brewing temperatures.
- Tasting cups or small glasses (one per tea per guest, or a rinsing station to keep your event low waste).
- A tea brewing vessel (teapot, gaiwan, or infuser, depending on your theme).
- Timers to control steeping times.
- A tea Tasting Scorecard (get yours here) to record notes on flavor, aroma, and appearance.
- Palate cleansers (plain crackers or water) to refresh taste buds between teas.
Step 3: Prepare and Brew the Tea
Brewing tea correctly is crucial for an accurate tasting. If the supplier offers brewing instructions, it's best to adhere to those. If not, follow these general guidelines:
- Black Tea: 195-205°F (90-96°C) | 3-5 minutes
- Green Tea: 160-175°F (70-80°C) | 1-3 minutes
- Oolong Tea: 180-200°F (82-93°C) | 3-5 minutes
- White Tea: 175-185°F (80-85°C) | 4-5 minutes
- Pu-erh Tea: 200-212°F (93-100°C) | 3-5 minutes
If comparing brewing methods, keep other variables (e.g., tea quantity) consistent and let guests compare the differences.
Step 4: Conduct the Tasting
Guide guests through the experience step by step:
- Observe the Dry Leaves – Look at the color, shape, and texture.
- Smell the Dry Leaves – What initial aromas do you notice?
- Observe the Liquor – What color is the brewed tea?
- Smell the Brewed Tea – Does it have floral, earthy, fruity, or nutty notes?
- Taste the Tea – Take a sip, letting the tea coat your palate. Notice the mouthfeel, complexity, and aftertaste.
- Compare and Discuss – Encourage guests to write down their observations and share their impressions.
Step 5: Offer Snacks
Pairing tea with the right snacks can enhance the tasting experience. Consider offering:
- Plain Crackers or Shortbread – Neutral flavors that cleanse the palate.
- Dried Fruits – Apricots, figs, or dates pair well with many teas.
- Nuts – Almonds, walnuts, and cashews add texture and subtle sweetness.
- Mild Cheeses – Soft cheeses like brie or gouda complement delicate teas.
- Chocolate – Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with bold black teas and oolongs.
- Pastries – Scones or madeleines bring out sweet and floral tea notes.
Encourage guests to experiment with different combinations to see how food influences the flavors of the tea.
Step 6: Wrap Up and Reflect
Once all the teas have been sampled, invite guests to discuss their favorites and compare notes. Were they surprised by any flavors? Did brewing methods make a significant difference? If using the Tea Tasting Scorecard, tally up scores and see which tea was the crowd favorite!
Hosting a tea tasting is a unique, engaging way to deepen your appreciation for this ancient beverage. Whether you’re sampling teas from a single farm or experimenting with different brewing styles, this experience is bound to leave you and your guests with a newfound love for tea.
Ready to host your own? Download the Tea Tasting Scorecard here and start planning your event today!