Drink it however you like!

Drinking Pu'er Tea is a relaxed and enjoyable process. Just fully enjoy the wonderful taste of the tea liquorand the bodily reactions that follow.There's no need to be bound by rigid procedures.

However, if you master some simple tasting techniques,you can distinguish the quality of teas,and appreciate the unique characteristics of different teas.This addsa touch of elegance to life!

Let's have Xiao Xin guide us through

some simple Pu'er tea tasting techniques!

Savor the Aroma

Pu'er tea is rich in various substances, including a large amount of aromatic compounds,which present different aromas at each stage of fermentation.

The aroma is typically savored after the first or second infusion, by taking a deep breath over the empty pitcher from which the tea liquor has been poured,feeling the aroma of the tea together with the warmth of the cuprush into your nostrils,producing a refreshing sensation.

The aroma of Pu'er tea is not as vibrant as Tieguanyin,nor as fresh and inviting as Longjing or Biluochun,but rather exhibits a more reserved and stable honey and woody fragrance.

Newly produced teas, especially those from specific mountains,are characterized by delicate orchid, floral, and honey fragrances,while aged teas featurecamphor, jujube, and woody aromas.

Taste the Liquor

To better experience the texture of the tea liquor,

we can sip the tea slowly, much like how toothless grandmothers eat, letting the tea liquor swirl around the mouth,ensuring it comes into contact with the tip, center, and root of the tongue,as well as the upper and lower palate.

A few seconds later, swallow a small amount of the tea liquor,quietly savoring its flavor,to evaluate itsviscosity, smoothness, and softness.

Experience the Aftertaste

The aftertaste of tea is a result of the stimulation caused by bitterness and astringency, which prompts saliva secretion and interacts with the compounds within the tea liquorto produce a lingering flavor.

The pursuit of aftertaste is also what we often seek when drinking Pu'er tea,particularly raw teas,for a direct and delightful experience.

The main sweet substances in Pu'er tea are primarily two types: sugars and natural nitrogen-containing compounds (amino acids).

Experiencing the aftertaste is simple, just focus on the back of the tongue.

Some teas have a quick aftertaste, others a slow one,some last long, others fade quickly.

Some exceptional teas, once consumed,produce a strong and lasting aftertaste and salivation,referred to as “immersing the gums,”so you might want to keep your lips closed a bit,lest you accidentally let the saliva spill out— that would be awkward!

For beginners advancing in their journey, being able to concentrate and complete these three stepscan be considered “knowing how to drink Pu'er tea.”

Even if there is good tea before you, you won't feel like you're wasting it.

Of course, there are more abstract experiences, such as throat resonance, tea qi, and bodily sensations,which may require a bit of talent,more experience,and a sensitive body,not everyone can reach such a level.