The highest praise for a Cup of Tea is perhaps its ability to bring about a sweet aftertaste, turning initial bitterness into lasting Sweetness. But what exactly is this “sweet aftertaste”? Let me explain the intricacies of this phenomenon.
What is Sweet Aftertaste?
The term “sweet aftertaste” refers to the specific taste experience that results from an initial bitterness followed by a sweet sensation in the throat. When tea touches the tongue, it brings a clear yet slightly bitter taste that lingers in the mouth, gradually evolving over time as the sweetness overtakes the bitterness, culminating in a sweet finish. This stark contrast and comparison within a single sip of tea creates a remarkable impact on the palate.
A strong and enduring sweet aftertaste is often used as a key criterion for evaluating high-quality tea. This transformation from bitterness to sweetness is more dramatic than immediate sweetness, giving the tea a richer character and depth.
How to Identify High-Quality Tea Through Sweet Aftertaste
However, the intensity of the sweet aftertaste is not an absolute indicator of a tea's quality. For example, lower-quality teas with excessively bitter flavors can produce a strong sweet aftertaste due to the contrast. Additionally, some teas contain theaflavins which generate sweetness felt primarily on the tip of the tongue rather than as a sweet aftertaste in the throat.
So, how can one better judge the sweet aftertaste of a tea? Take a large sip and let the tea fill your mouth, slowly experiencing its astringency and stimulation. If there is a gradual release of saliva on the surface or underside of your tongue accompanied by a sweet taste that persists for a long time without diminishing, it can be considered a persistent sweet aftertaste.
A truly fine tea, much like dark tea, has a dark brown and lustrous color, tightly rolled leaves, a pure aroma, and a rich flavor. It manages to mask the initial bitterness with its fresh and brisk essence, transforming it subtly in the throat, eventually bringing about a refreshing and sweet taste.