We all have our own preferences, and when it comes to tea—as with many things in life—there is no single “correct” way to enjoy it. While some enthusiasts seek out details such as harvest year, tea garden, and production methods, others are perfectly happy with a simple tea bag, a splash of milk, and a bit of sugar.
Whenever products exist in different quality tiers, there tends to be a degree of snobbery toward those who prefer more accessible or informal options. Tea is no exception. In short, yes—tea snobbery does exist, and most tea drinkers have probably encountered it at some point.
For additional perspective, see this article discussing tea snobbery and consumer preferences, which concludes that some people will become connoisseurs, while others will happily enjoy more affordable, flavored teas—and that both approaches can coexist.
If you’re interested in finding the “correct” way to prepare tea, you may quickly discover that opinions vary widely. One viewpoint can be found in this Slate opinion piece on proper tea preparation techniques by Christopher Hitchens. While his recommendations reflect a more traditional, British approach, they offer useful insights—even if they are not universally applicable.
Among his points is the difficulty of finding a properly prepared cup of tea in many public settings in the United States. However, some of his advice—such as insisting that water must be boiling when it meets the tea—is best suited to black tea, whether loose leaf or in tea bags. Applying this approach to more delicate teas, such as green varieties, may actually produce less desirable results.
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