How comfortable is the taste, and how about its fullness and harmony? These are the criteria for judging purity and richness. Does it have a bitter start that turns sweet?

If a new Tea lacks bitterness and astringency, it's unlikely. Some level of bitterness and astringency is normal; the key is whether these qualities dissipate, leaving a sweet aftertaste lasting for hours. Teas lacking depth usually come from younger trees. The aroma should be rich—some teas may have an aromatic Cup but lack fragrance in the infusion, making them unappealing. A good tea should show distinct differences between infusions, with layers of complexity that make it worth storing; otherwise, proceed with caution.

How to Taste the Quality of New Pu'er Tea

1. Gentle Entry

Upon first sip, does the tea taste clear and sweet, or is it heavily bitter or astringent? Is the initial taste acceptable? It's natural for tea to have some bitterness and astringency, but if there's not even a hint of gentleness, and you don't enjoy the sensation in your mouth, such a tea likely won't be appealing.

2. Smooth Swallowing

Don't assume that only aged teas have smooth and silky flavors. In fact, new teas can also have a smoothness distinct from older teas. When drinking a new tea, if the tea feels like it's nourishing your tongue, smoothly and moistly coating it, almost like drinking honey water mixed with pure water, this is a positive sign. Often when I try new teas, the tea glides over my tongue and directly down my throat, without any roughness or irritation. This is a subtle yet intriguing detail worth paying attention to.

3. Layered Flavors

The term “layered flavors” can seem vague. When drinking new teas, you might not notice that the taste changes as it moves from the tip of your tongue to the back. With each infusion, the taste can evolve. If the flavor remains uniform from the first sip to the last, this tea probably won't develop much complexity over time. For example, you might experience a light bitterness at the tip of your tongue, a slight bitterness on the surface of your tongue, and sweetness at the root of your tongue, with a fresh aroma lingering in your throat after swallowing.

4. Rich Aroma

The aroma of tea can vary widely. While investigating its origins would be a complex endeavor, we'll focus on the types of aromas found in new teas. It's normal for new teas to have a grassy scent or a faint watery quality. However, if you detect subtle floral fragrances, the fresh scent of forest trees, or a hint of fruity sweetness, these are promising signs. Sometimes the aroma isn't immediately apparent upon smelling the tea but becomes evident once you've taken a sip. If present, continue drinking to see if the aroma persists with subsequent infusions.