Just a short iteration of Tealosophy this week (I know is it possible)?!
As a tea practitioner mindfully preparing and brewing tea for over 12 years I have come to realise the acquisition of tea knowledge is part tasting experience and part discipline.
When I first fell in love with true teas the way I approached my tea journey was more about discovering nice teas and putting a reference in my mind about the style and type of tea I was drinking and it's growing region. Being fluid and unfussy at the tea table was most important to me and I was just really enjoying my tea discoveries.
It hasn't been until the last 3-4 years that I changed my approach to be more disciplined and document my impressions of nearly every tea I encounter.
This has meant recording the different brewing parameters I have used to brew each tea including leaf to water ratios, infusion times, water temperature, the type of water and putting words to the sensory experience. I have come to realise this has made me much better at making tea. By focussing on the degrees of difference in preparation and brewing has allowed me to appreciate them so much more and brings a real awareness of what is happening whilst brewing.
I will share more on how being more disciplined has been important in learning more about Japanese teas in my upcoming posts.
Don’t get me wrong I still freestyle brew! As sometimes you find surprises and delights in the 'errors' you may make.
I would love to hear what works for you. Until next time happy steeping!
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