Harney Award 2011
Awards are given to many things—tea included.
They suggest that someone believes the time and effort invested in the award-winning item was worthwhile.
However, much like with wine, a tea winning an award is no guarantee that you will enjoy it.
An award for packaging design certainly doesn’t ensure a great cup—and even taste awards can be subjective, as judges’ preferences may differ from your own.
Do Tea Awards Matter?
So, what value do these awards really have for the average tea drinker?
Do they influence your purchasing decisions?
It’s worth remembering that tea judges are typically experts in their field.
Tastings are conducted under controlled conditions, using standardized methods and trained palates.
In other words, this environment is quite different from your kitchen, your teaware, and even your water.
Why Your Experience May Differ
Given these differences, it’s easy to see that an award is not a guarantee of personal enjoyment—any more than knowing a celebrity endorses a tea.
That doesn’t make awards meaningless—it simply means expectations should be tempered.
You may not experience the same qualities that impressed the judges.
A Real-World Example
This topic came to mind when John Harney of Harney & Sons received an award.
In his case, it was well deserved—recognizing a lifetime of dedication to bringing quality teas to a wide audience.
His company helped raise the standard of tea available to American consumers, while still appealing to both enthusiasts and casual drinkers.
However, even with such recognition, personal taste remains a deciding factor.
The Reality of Taste
I once heard from another tea enthusiast who purchased a highly praised tea based on a glowing review.
Unfortunately, she found it disappointing—describing it (rather memorably!) as tasting like dirty socks—and passed it along to someone else.
Differences in water, brewing technique, teaware, and individual taste preferences can all influence the final result.
I’ve even reviewed a well-regarded tea myself and received feedback suggesting I must have prepared it incorrectly.
Of course, it was my fault!
Final Thoughts
In the end, tea—like many things in life—comes with no guarantees.
Awards can guide you, but they shouldn’t define your expectations.
If you decide to try an award-winning tea, approach it with curiosity rather than certainty—and enjoy the experience for what it is.
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