Judging the Quality of Black Tea: Aroma, Taste, and Color

When it comes to black tea, the quality can be judged based on three main elements: aroma, taste, and the brewed tea color. Good black tea should have a fragrance of flowers, a pleasant astringent taste, and a red transparent color. The color of brewed black tea can vary from yellow to red to brown, with the water becoming darker and thicker when using well-preserved aged tea leaves. The color can also differ depending on the type of cup used for serving, with shallow and delicate cups being appropriate for serving tea “straight” or with lemon, while heavy and thick style cups are better for serving tea with milk.

Aroma and fragrance also play a significant role in the quality of black tea. Some black tea has a refreshing fragrance, while others have a strong smell almost like medicine or herbs. It’s recommended to serve black tea with a strong fragrance in a bigger cup, while delicate aroma teas are best served in small cups to avoid a loss of taste and aroma.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that black tea can be enjoyed in many different ways in various countries, with some being better served “straight” and others with the addition of lemon or milk. With so many options to choose from, it’s up to personal preference to find the best black tea and way of drinking for oneself.