Learn About Tea

Liquor

August 10, 2012

Liquor of Tea

The technical term for brewed tea is “liquor”. Knowing the ideal color of the liquor can also help you assess whether you’ve brewed the tea correctly. If you pour off something that looks darker or lighter than the color described in the tasting charts, you may have over- or underbrewed it.

No matter – teas are so variable , even professional tasters often brew them imperfectly at first. Just start over, noting your adjustments for future tastings.

Mike Harney

Michael Harney has been the tea buyer and blender of Harney & Sons for twenty years. He travels to Asia and meets with tea producers from all the major tea countries, looking for the season's best teas. A graduate of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, he lives with his wife and their three sons in Salisbury, Connecticut.

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  • David

    Mike’s descriptions are helpful and enticing. I find myself focusing more on “liquor,” “body” and “aroma” as I savor a well-rprepared tea. Thanks!

  • Chris

    Is there really definition of a “perfect” brew that is anything other than the way the brewer enjoys it? I have debated with people who accuse me of under-brewing my tea, yet I paid for it, and the water is flavored the way I enjoy it. What is not “perfect” about enjoying my tea, my way?



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