A Novice's Guide to Judging Tea Quality

Examine the tea's cleanliness. A good tea should have a clear, unified appearance, both in dry leaves and brewed liquor. High-grade teas, especially handpicked ones, should be free from impurities.

Taste the unique style of the tea and ensure that the aroma matches the taste. Whether it's the milky fragrance in Jin Xuan Oolong or the floral notes in Four Seasons Spring, a good tea maintains consistency between what you smell and what you taste.

Evaluate the tea's endurance—how well it holds up over multiple infusions. Generally, high-quality teas endure well for five or more infusions. Experiment with brewing techniques, but don't sacrifice taste. After a few attempts, you'll grasp the tea's quality.