Floral, woody, spicy: how to choose your tea according to your taste profile?

The world of tea is a true garden of flavors, where each cup tells a unique sensory story.

To fully savor this aromatic richness, it is essential for every tea drinker to know their taste profile well. Whether you are drawn to floral sweetness, woody depth, or the vibrancy of spices, discover the teas that match your preferences to transform your tasting experience.

Betjeman & Barton presents these 3 major aromatic families to better guide you towards your next favorites.

Floral teas: elegance and delicacy

Floral teas are sure to charm with their delicate fragrance and finesse. Infused with jasmine, lavender, rose, or violet, they evoke blooming gardens and suspended moments.

What are their characteristics?

Most floral teas are based on green tea or white tea. They are particularly appreciated for their sweetness and lightness.

For whom?

Floral teas are for lovers of fragrant teas. They are ideal for those seeking beneficial moments of relaxation throughout the day.

Betjeman & Barton suggestions

● “Les Invités”: a white tea delicately flavored with jasmine, rose, and lychee

● “Eden Rose”: a black tea with the sweet scent of rose, vanilla, lavender, and bergamot

● “Hanami”: a black tea with exotic flowers, jasmine, tulip, and vanilla

Woody teas: a blend of depth and authenticity

Both rich and enveloping, woody teas celebrate raw nature, amidst damp wood, fresh earth, and smoky accents. Their characteristic flavors warm and comfort with every sip.

What are their characteristics?

Black teas, oolong teas, and Pu-erh teas are the main representatives of woody profiles in the world of tea. They perfectly accompany an introspective break or a moment of calm at home.

For whom?

Woody teas are an excellent option for those who love intensity and cozy atmospheres. They combine powerful flavors and authentic sensations to charm the finest tea connoisseurs.

Betjeman & Barton suggestions

● “Dynastea”: a black tea flavored with bergamot and slightly smoky, for a revisited Earl Grey

● “Lapsang Souchong”: a great classic among Chinese black teas, smoked with spruce wood

● “Organic Chinese Pu-erh Black Tea”: a tea from southern Yunnan with subtle sweet undertones

Spicy teas: the perfect harmony of warmth and vibrancy

Often rich in cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, or cloves, spicy teas evoke both spice markets and festive moments.

What are their characteristics?

Among flavored teas, spicy profiles are distinguished by warm and stimulating flavors. Black teas like chai brilliantly represent this large aromatic family.

For whom?

Spicy teas delight those who appreciate intense sensations, shared moments, and cold seasons.

Betjeman & Barton suggestions

● “Chai Black Tea”: a tea flavored with Indian spices, also available in green tea version to vary the pleasures

● “Once Upon a Christmas”: a black tea with the good taste of English pudding, with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, apple, almond, and ginger

● “Happiness Suits You So Well”: an oolong tea inspired by golden milk, with notes of turmeric, honey, and spice

How to identify your taste profile?

Listening to your memories is the key to easily identifying your taste profile. Use your senses and personal experiences to pinpoint your preferences and desires.

If you enjoy fresh flowers or the scent of a bouquet, you might be sensitive to floral notes. If damp woods, earth, or leather soothe you, then woody aromas are likely to appeal to you. Are you more drawn to the smells of exotic cuisine or Christmas pastries? In that case, spicy teas are probably for you!

The best way to discover your profile is, of course, through tasting. Try different types of tea, note your impressions, and trust your taste buds. Some aromas reveal themselves over time or depending on the infusion, hence the importance of not relying solely on the first sip.

Designed to awaken all palates, our vast collection of flavored teas invites you to find a sensory treasure that reflects you. Explore our range of exceptional teas without further delay.

A small olfactory compass: linking tea taste to fragrance preferences

As a complete sensory experience, tea tasting involves not only taste but also smell. Thus, individual preferences do not depend solely on the flavor of the drink, but also on its aroma. To identify teas that you might like, you can start by targeting fragrances you love.

If you are sensitive to flowers, to the scents of lavender, jasmine, or rose, floral green teas or black teas, like the Fidji blend, with its delicate touches of vanilla, rose, and lavender, should delight your palate.

On the other hand, if you appreciate distinctive atmospheres, with woody scents of sandalwood, cedar, or leather, drinks based on smoked black teas, aged teas, or Pu-erh tea seem perfectly suited. If you like spices and comforting smells evoking fruits, cooking, or even end-of-year festivities, compositions such as Indian chai, ginger green tea, or references like "La sagesse comme présent" green tea are ideal for starting your day well or brightening your afternoon.

Pairing tea with moments of the day: self-aware tasting

Just as its scent changes the perception of tea, the moment of tasting also impacts the experience. Not all varieties offer the same sensations and have different effects on the body. Therefore, each is best enjoyed at specific times. For example, to start gently, many choose to prepare a black, fruity, or spicy tea, or a Darjeeling with woody notes, which gently stimulates the body, in a less direct way than coffee.

After lunch, there's nothing like a floral or fruity green tea, such as the "Les Invités" or "Parlez-moi d’amour" blends, which remain light and aid digestion thanks to their high concentration of antioxidants.

Finally, once evening comes, it is better to opt for a low-theine drink, such as a vanilla or orange rooibos, or an herbal tea flavored with red fruits or orchard fruits, for quality sleep.

Palate evolution: when our tea tastes change over time

Tastes and preferences evolve throughout life: as in many areas, what we like one day may seem commonplace a few years later, and conversely, something we disliked may become a true revelation after a few months. As a result, a tea that seems too strong, too woody, or too floral one day can, over time, become addictive! In most cases, initiation occurs with floral or fruity black teas, with a light, slightly bitter taste, more accessible to uninitiated palates.

Subsequently, depending on preferences, it is possible to move towards more complex compositions, with spices and oxidized, aged, or smoked teas. Gustatory maturity is often considered to occur when one is able to appreciate the subtle contrasts from one variety to another and to savor raw, unflavored teas to taste their purity.

Exploring without getting lost: tips for varying without making a mistake

To discover tea while respecting one's own tastes, it is advisable to start by choosing a "family": floral, woody, or spicy. Based on this first criterion, it is possible to test several combinations to identify the ingredients and flavors one prefers, black tea, green tea, flavored with rose, hibiscus, vanilla, etc. Another tip is to vary the origin of the plants. For example, a Yunnan tea provides a different sensation from a Pu-erh tea from Vietnam, even though both are part of the woody tea family.

Tasting boxes are also a good way to deepen one's knowledge and refine one's tea tastes. These often contain numerous complementary and varied blends, for a discovery that is as pleasant as it is surprising. A beautiful box containing floral green teas and woody or spicy black teas allows one to try new flavors for a cup and naturally refine one's palate. Finally, the most rigorous will not hesitate to acquire a tasting notebook, in which they will record the type of tea, the dominant notes, but also the tasting time and the emotion felt.