What is Comparative Cupping?
Relative Cupping is the method of soaking 2 teas for the objectives of identifying the special features of each juxtaposed against the other. This technique is useful for contrasting various brand names, harvests, as well as grades of tea. Relative cupping additionally aids you establish your palate and also permit you to far better enjoy the refined subtleties characteristic to the tea plant. The best device for determining the flavor profiles of teas is the Fragrance Wheel developed by the International Tea Masters Organization.
Oolong teas lend themselves well to comparative cupping because oolongs are usually shaped throughout processing which allows a myriad of tastes to unravel with each succeeding steeping as the fallen leaves open up. In this case, we compared our Pouchong and Ali Shan teas over three 30-second infusions using a standard Gaiwan.
Gaiwan For Chinese Tea Event As Well As 2 Cups Of Tea Supply
Pouchong
Pouchong, also called Baozhong tea, is a gently oxidized oolong from Taiwan. Given the restricted processing, this tea shows several of the same qualities as both eco-friendly teas and also more heavily oxidized oolongs. Pouchong leaves are formed by twisting.
First Mixture:
The first 30-second mixture of Pouchong created a light alcohol (term utilized to define the tea liquid) and exuded a mildly flower scent. The flower notes appeared in the taste of the tea, but they were quite light.
2nd Infusion:
With the 2nd mixture, the alcohol dimmed to a light brownish-yellow shade and the flavor account got depth. This time around the floral notes were toughened up by mineral undernotes as well as the tea finished with a lingering mouth feeling. The fallen leaves at this point produced a clearly buttery scent, with a tip of nuttiness.
Third Infusion:
With the 3rd infusion the mineral and flower notes deepened for a much more robust cup than the first infusion. Light vegetal notes likewise created. The leaves mirrored this adjustment and also the buttery notes were layered with a scent reminiscent of edamame or eco-friendly beans.
Ali Shan
Our Ali Shan is a high-altitude oolong grown in a mountainous area of Taiwan. Like Pouchong, this tea is thought about a relatively green oolong and undertakes marginal oxidation. Ali Shan leaves are formed by rolling.
First Infusion:
The very first mixture of Ali Shan produced a pale liquor with a light profile that hinted at flowers. The aroma showed notes of butter with a grassy coating.
Second Infusion:
The alcohol of the second mixture boldened to a cozy yellow color and the vegetal aroma raised. This infusion generated a cup with a much stronger vegetal flavor as well as was identified by a bolder mouth feeling.
Third Mixture:
With the 3rd mixture of Ali Shan subtle honey notes showed up, rounding out the account with a light natural sweet taste. The liquor turned a charming brownish-yellow shade as well as the cup showed flower as well as honey fragrances.
Both Pouchong as well as Ali Shan are fantastic choices if you choose taste profiles evocative green teas without the acidity. Additionally, both of these teas use characteristics of darker oolongs without the very same degrees of caffeine. Actually, these oolongs are the best of both worlds. You can purchase our Ali Shan tea right here. If you’re interested in Pouchong, look into our Tropical Coconut mix which integrates Pouchong leaves with scrumptious coconut and pineapple. Pleased Steeping!