Tea tastings usually are a project and, as such, can be approached like any other project. As a Project Manager, part of my job was to identify the various tasks and sometimes even the various steps to complete each task. Then, I would have to identify “resources,” that is, people who could be part of the team and perform those tasks.

Here’s how this methodology, that is, the “project plan,” could be applied to a tea tasting event:

Scope:

• Try a tea in accordance with the tea company’s instructions (if any) and/or previous experience with similar teas and document the results via text and photos

Project resources:

• Me
• Hubby
• Little Yellow Teapot

Task list (required unless otherwise indicated):

• Select a tea to taste — Resource: me
• Research the tea — Resource: me
• Research the tea company — Resource: me
• Schedule a time to do the tasting — Resource: me, hubby
• Determine the teawares needed based on the type of tea — Resource: me
• Set up the camera on the tripod — Resource: me
• Delete any old photos off the camera — Resource: me
• Clear off the space to be used (kitchen counter and possibly dining room table) — Resource: me, hubby
• Set up the tea tasting station — Resource: me, hubby
• Photograph the package the sample came in — Resource: me
• Open the package and document the look and aroma of the dry tea (usually involves getting our noses as deep into the package as possible) — Resource: me, hubby
• Wipe dry tea pieces off of the tip of our noses [Optional] — Resource: me, hubby
• Measure out proper amount of dry tea and place in steeping vessel — Resource: me
• Measure out proper amount of water and heat to proper temperature — Resource: hubby
• Add water to steeping vessel and set timer for steep — Resource: hubby, me, Little Yellow Teapot
• Dance a little “tea steeping jig” — Resource: me, hubby
• Strain the tea into another vessel — Resource: me, hubby
• Document the tea color and aroma — Resource: me, hubby
• Pour tea into tasting cup and sample — Resource: me, hubby
• Set up arrangement for photos — Resource: me
• Pose for photos — Resource: Little Yellow Teapot
• Take photos — Resource: me, hubby
• Heat water for second infusion [Optional]

It goes on from there, but you get the idea. A bit of organization is always a good thing and assures that the tasting will go well. It also makes sure that we don’t have to start over because we don’t have good photos. There was a time or two when the tasting did not go well, but we had enough dry tea to start over, which we did happily. After all, the goal is to give each tea sample a fair shot. Something to keep in mind as you try a new tea. Enjoy!

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