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 appreciate this aromatic richness, it's essential for every tea drinker to understand their own taste profile. Whether you're drawn to floral sweetness, woody depth, or the vibrancy of spices, discover the teas that match your preferences and transform your tea-tasting experience.

 

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

 

Teas with floral notes, combining elegance and delicacy

 

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

 

What are their characteristics?

 

Most floral teas are made with a base of green 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's suggestions

 

●       "The guests ": a tea delicately scented white with jasmine, rose and lychee

●       “Eden Rose”: a black tea with a delicate fragrance of rose, vanilla, lavender and bergamot

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

Teas with woody notes, a blend of depth and authenticity

 

Both rich and enveloping, woody teas celebrate raw nature, blending damp wood, fresh earth, and smoky notes. Their distinctive 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 pair perfectly with an introspective break or a quiet moment at home.

 

For whom?

 

Woody teas are an excellent option for those who enjoy intensity and a more intimate atmosphere. They combine powerful flavors with authentic sensations to charm even the most discerning tea connoisseurs.

 

Betjeman & Barton's suggestions

 

●       “Dynastea”: a black tea flavored with bergamot and lightly smoked, for a reimagined Earl Grey

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

●       "Tea Organic Chinese Pu-Er Black Tea: a tea from southern Yunnan with subtly sweet undergrowth notes

Teas with spicy notes, or the perfect harmony between warmth and vibrancy

 

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

 

What are their characteristics?

 

Among flavored teas, spicy profiles stand out with their warm and stimulating flavors. Black teas like chai brilliantly represent this large aromatic family.

 

For whom?

 

Teas with spicy notes delight those who appreciate intense sensations, moments of sharing, and the cold seasons.

 

Betjeman & Barton's suggestions

 

●       “Black Chai Tea”: a tea flavored with Indian spices, also available in a green tea version for a change of pace.

●       “Once Upon a Christmas”: a  Black tea with a delicious English pudding flavor, with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, apple, almond, and ginger

●       “Happiness suits you so well” " : A Oolong tea inspired by golden milk , with the aroma of turmeric, honey and spices.

 

How to identify your taste profile?

 

Listening to your memories is key to easily identifying your taste profile. In particular, draw on your senses and personal experiences to pinpoint your preferences and desires.

 

If you love fresh flowers or the scent of a bouquet, you might be drawn to floral notes. If damp wood, earth, or leather soothe you, then woody aromas are likely to appeal to you. Are you more attracted to the scents of exotic cuisine or Christmas pastries? In that case, spiced teas are probably perfect 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 develop over time or depending on the brewing process, which is why it's important not to rely solely on the first sip.

 

Designed to awaken every palate, our extensive collection of flavored teas invites you to discover a sensory treasure that reflects your own taste. Explore our range of exceptional teas now.

A little olfactory compass: making the connection between the taste of tea and fragrance preferences

As a complete sensory experience, tea tasting engages not only taste but also smell. Therefore, individual preferences depend not only on the flavor of the beverage but also on its aroma. To identify teas that might appeal to you, you can start by focusing on scents you enjoy .

If you are sensitive to flowers , to the scents of lavender, jasmine or rose, green teas or floral black teas , like the Fiji 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 , then drinks made with smoked or aged black teas , or Pu-erh tea, seem ideal. If you enjoy spices and comforting aromas reminiscent of fruit, cooking, or the holiday season , blends such as Indian chai, ginger green tea, or teas like "Wisdom as a Gift" are perfect for starting your day right or brightening up the afternoon.

Pairing tea with different times of day: a tasting experience that listens to you

Just as the aroma of a tea changes the perception of a tea, the timing of the 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 tea, fruity or spiced, or a Darjeeling with woody notes , which gently stimulate the body, less directly than coffee.

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

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

Evolution of the palate: when our tea tastes change over time

Tastes and preferences evolve throughout life: as in many areas, what we enjoy one day may seem commonplace a few years later, and conversely, something that initially repelled us may become a true revelation after a few months. Therefore, a tea that seems too strong, too woody, or too floral one day can, over time, become addictive! In most cases, the introduction to tea begins with floral or fruity black teas , which have a light and slightly bitter taste , making them more accessible to the uninitiated palate.

Later, depending on individual preferences, it's possible to progress towards more complex blends , incorporating spices and oxidized, aged, or smoked teas . It's often considered that a refined palate develops when one can appreciate the subtle contrasts between different varieties and savor raw, unflavored teas to appreciate their purity.

Explore without getting lost: tips for varying your choices without making mistakes

To explore tea while respecting your own tastes, it's advisable to start by choosing a " family ": floral, woody, or spicy . From this initial criterion, you can try several combinations to identify your preferred ingredients and flavors—black tea, green tea, teas enhanced with rose, hibiscus, vanilla, and so on. Another tip is to vary the origin of the tea plants . For example, a tea from Yunnan offers a different sensation than a pu-erh tea from Vietnam, even though both belong to the woody tea family.

Tea tasting sets are also a great way to deepen your knowledge and refine your tastes. They often contain numerous complementary and varied blends , offering a pleasant and surprising discovery. A beautiful box containing floral green teas and woody or spicy black teas allows you to try new flavors with a single cup and naturally refine your palate. Finally, the most meticulous tea drinkers will undoubtedly use a tasting journal , in which they record the type of tea, the dominant notes, as well as the time of tasting and the emotions experienced.