The quality of a Tea not only affects its taste but also influences its storage and potential for appreciation in value. Therefore, when purchasing Pu'er tea, one needs to be meticulous in their selection. So, how can we correctly assess the quality of Pu'er tea? Let's delve into this topic.
How to Judge the Quality of Pu'er Tea?
1. The Appearance and Aroma of Dry Leaves
Ultimately, tea is meant to be tasted. Personally, I don't focus much on the appearance and aroma of dry leaves, as many fine teas have subtle aromas that become more evident in the cup. If one relies solely on the aroma of dry leaves, it's easy to be misled. Regarding the appearance (or “shape”) of the leaves, one can hold this view: while good appearance doesn't necessarily mean high-quality tea, high-quality tea will generally have a good appearance. Judging the quality of tea based on appearance alone is not advisable. Therefore, I recommend that tea enthusiasts try the tea before making a purchase.
2. The Clarity of the Tea Infusion
The quality of Pu'er tea depends not only on the origin but also on the processing skills of the tea farmers. If the tea infusion appears murky, one should observe the cause of the murkiness, excluding cases where the cloudiness is due to the presence of fine Silver downy hairs from the tea buds. Such teas are unlikely to be of high quality.
3. The Texture of the Tea Liquid
This term refers to the smoothness of the tea liquid as it passes through the mouth and throat. Some teas flow smoothly through the throat without any delay, like silk gliding over the skin, providing a comfortable sensation. In contrast, lower-quality teas may create an uncomfortable feeling in the throat, akin to rough cloth brushing against the skin.
4. The Complexity of the Tea Infusion
The complexity of a tea infusion is primarily determined by the richness of its components. A tea with rich internal components will have a well-layered infusion. Upon tasting, the initial sensation is the aroma, including changes in its type, intensity, and duration. Next comes the tongue's perception of the tea's body, fullness, bitterness, astringency, and the speed at which these sensations dissipate. Further along, there is the aftertaste, including the expansion and coolness in the throat and the overall smoothness. High-quality Pu'er teas exhibit strong complexity and rich flavors that evolve over time. If a tea exhibits only a single dominant flavor—such as bitterness, astringency, sweetness, or aroma—it suggests an imbalance in its internal components, indicating a less-than-ideal tea.
5. The Harmony of the Tea Infusion
The harmony of the tea infusion is related to the complexity mentioned above. If a particular characteristic is overly dominant or others are weak, it can result in an imbalanced drinking experience.
6. Bitterness and Astringency and Their Dissipation
Bitterness and astringency are the most easily perceived sensations when Drinking Tea. It is often said that “without bitterness and astringency, it isn't tea.” Experiencing bitterness and astringency when drinking tea is normal; the key is how quickly these sensations dissipate and whether they create an unpleasant experience. Some high-quality teas may have a slight astringency, but the astringency is light and fine, creating a smooth sensation in the mouth, which is quite pleasant. On the other hand, if the bitterness and astringency in a tea make for an unpleasant drinking experience, it is likely not a very good tea.
7. Aftertaste and Salivation
Literally, this means the transition from bitterness to sweetness after the tea is consumed. This aftertaste is different from the inherent sweetness of the tea; it is a sensation of turning bitter into sweet.
8. Cooling Sensation
The next few experiences depend on the individual drinker's sensitivity and luck. It helps to have someone knowledgeable about tea to guide you. The cooling sensation can be scientifically explained as the heat absorption process during the hydrolysis of glycosides in the tea. In higher-quality teas, this sensation is more pronounced. While some teas produce a cooling effect on the tip of the tongue, better teas can create this sensation in the throat, which is very pleasant.
9. Character
To truly appreciate the character of the tea, one must pay close attention. This is an overall sensation produced by the internal components of the tea, encompassing both the immediate experience of the tea itself and the broader enjoyment beyond the cup. It has a strong personal sensory component and is a somewhat elusive concept. Elements such as the layered sensation in the mouth, the resonance in the throat, and certain bodily sensations can all be considered aspects of the tea's character.
10. Tea Qi
The concept of “tea qi” is a rather mysterious one. Those unfamiliar with Pu'er tea might consider it a vague concept used by marketers. However, those who have delved deeply into the subject can sometimes feel it quite distinctly. Common manifestations include belching, sweating, and warmth in the chest and back. When one is particularly fatigued, drinking a tea with strong qi can create a sense of deep Relaxation and clarity throughout the body, a very pleasant experience indeed.