Those who have just started drinking Tea are often easily captivated by its fragrance. “How fragrant…” is indeed a compliment to the tea, as well as a demonstration of tea's charm in captivating people with its aroma. However, the appeal of tea should not merely be confined to its fragrance, which also has different layers.
True tea fragrance is a natural, subtle scent that lingers in the mouth; it is restrained and originates from the intrinsic quality of the tea. Some fragrances, however, are unnatural and may raise suspicion that they are merely “floating” scents used to mask inferior quality, which warrants attention. Different teas have distinct flavors and aromas. Today, I will delve into the various layers of tea aroma. When we savor tea, careful study will reveal the subtleties and joys within.
First Layer: Water-Perfumed Aroma
The water-perfumed aroma is the most basic level of tea fragrance, characterized by a light and floating scent that can be smelled but not tasted.
For example, when brewing tea, you can smell the aroma lingering in the air or on the lid of the Teacup. While it smells very fragrant, the tea itself lacks a discernible aroma upon tasting.
Second Layer: Aroma Infused in Water
A slightly more advanced level of tea fragrance is when the aroma is infused in the water.
The tea fragrance is mostly still floating on the surface of the Infusion, with only a portion blending into the tea liquid. This type of aroma gives the impression that while it smells very fragrant, there is a noticeable difference between the aroma perceived through smelling and tasting – it doesn't taste quite as fragrant as it smells.
Third Layer: Water Containing Aroma
Water containing aroma means that the tea fragrance can both be smelled during brewing and is blended into the tea infusion. The aroma in the tea liquid is full-bodied, with some emanating from the mouth and some from the throat.
To experience this kind of tea fragrance, hold your breath when the tea enters your mouth. After swallowing, keep your mouth slightly closed and exhale slowly through your nostrils to trace the source of the aroma.
Fourth Layer: Water-Born Aroma
The finest tea fragrance is water-born, where the aroma blends extremely well with the tea infusion. It has a faint aroma when smelled, but after drinking, the fragrance returns with the aftertaste from deep within the throat, lasting for an exceptionally long time.
Fifth Layer: Water Is Aroma
The pinnacle of tea fragrance is when water is aroma, reserved for teas made from top-quality raw materials and excellent processing techniques. The aroma is rich and blends completely with the tea infusion. As the aroma dissipates, the tea liquid presents a wondrous sensation, creating a delightful feeling where “the infusion is the aroma, and the aroma is the infusion.”
Of course, we shouldn't blindly pursue higher levels of tea fragrance.
After all, for most of us, as well as for tea makers, the very best teas are rare and hard to come by. Having the right mindset to enjoy good tea is enough.