Glossary of Terms
Dry Leaf
- Clean
- Evenly sorted leaves, free from stalk and fiber pieces.
- Flaky
- Flat, open, poorly manufactured leaves.
- Irregular
- Uneven blend of leaf grades.
- Musty
- Excessive moisture content leading to formation of mold.
- Stalky
- Presence of stem amongst leaf—should be minimal in primary grades.
- Tippy
- A noticeable quantity of golden or silver leaf buds, or tips.
- Wiry
- Stylish, thin, well-twisted whole leaf.
Infused Leaf
- Aroma
- Scent rising off the infused leaves. The lidded cups of the tasting set are designed to capture aromas.
- Bright
- Lively, as opposed to dull.
- Coppery
- Desirably bright, copper colored leaf, indicating a well-made tea of good quality.
- Dark
- Resulting from either poor quality leaf or too-high firing.
- Dull
- Leaves that lack color. This is often a result of too much moisture left in the leaves or over-oxidation.
- Even
- Uniform color throughout.
- Mixed
- Color variations in the leaves due to uneven handling during withering and oxidation.
Liquor
- Bakey
- Caused by high temperatures during firing.
- Biscuity
- Pleasant toasty characteristic or the taste of fresh baked bread.
- Brassy
- Metallic taste.
- Brisk
- Opposed to flat or soft.
- Character
- Indicates a specific origin or style. A tea with Yunnan character displays all the expected traits of Yunnan tea.
- Dull
- Not bright, lively or brisk.
- Earthy
- Impression of clay, soil or loam. May also indicate poor storage in damp conditions.
- Flat
- Lifeless, lacking briskness or structure on the palate.
- Full
- Possessing color, strength and substance.
- Harsh
- Raw green flavor from high firing or under-withering.
- Heavy
- Thickness without briskness.
- Malty
- A thick, creamy mouth-feel.
- Mellow
- Well matured, as opposed to raw.
- Muscatel
- A characteristic found in exceptional Darjeelings, reminiscent of wine grapes.
- Paper
- Dry, flat character, sometimes associated with age.
- Point
- Desirable brightness and acidity creating a fresh "sparkle" on the tongue.
- Pungent
- Ideal combination of briskness, brightness, strength and flavor.
- Rich
- Mellow liquor, abundant in quality and thickness.
- Smoky
- A sharp, acrid taste.
- Soft
- Opposite of brisk.
- Tired
- Flat and stale.
- Woody
- Sawdust-like.