How to rate tea

A good tea rating is more than stars. It's a detailed record of your experience that helps thousands of people make better choices. This guide shows what to pay attention to.

Rating scale

Exceptional — an unforgettable tea
Excellent — I'll definitely buy again
Good — pleasant but nothing special
Below average — there are better options
Poor — not recommended

What to evaluate

Aroma

What do you sense before the first sip? Floral, earthy, woody, fruity notes?

Taste

What taste dominates? Describe the first sip and how the flavour develops through the infusion.

Aftertaste

How long did the sensation last after swallowing? Did the taste change? This is one of the most important quality indicators.

Liquor colour

The colour of the liquid in the cup: from pale yellow to deep red. Colour tells you about the degree of processing and leaf quality.

Finish

A long sensation on the palate is a hallmark of high-quality tea. Rated from "momentary" to "very long".

Community voting

Beyond stars, Infusio lets you vote on tea characteristics: when to drink it, in what mood, in which season. This data builds a unique profile for every tea.

Time of day
Morning / Afternoon / Evening / Night
Season
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter
Mood
Energizing / Calming / Focusing / Meditative
Occasion
Work / Social / Ceremony / With food

How to write a good review

A review is not a test. Your experience is unique, and that's exactly why it's valuable. Here's a structure to help you write a useful and clear comment:

1
Brewing conditions
Example: Brewed 3g per 100ml at 85°C, 2 minutes. Filtered water.
2
First impression (aroma)
Example: Aroma reminds me of a wet forest after rain with a subtle floral undertone.
3
Taste and development
Example: Soft, with a nutty base. Honey notes emerge from the second infusion.
4
Finish and duration
Example: Long sweet finish, lingers for up to 5 minutes.
5
Overall conclusion
Example: A wonderful evening tea. Perfect for meditation or reading.

Tips for more accurate ratings

Drink mindfully, not in a rush

Dedicate time only to the tea. Put your phone away. It's the only way to notice subtle notes.

Brew at least twice

First infusion reveals aroma, second taste, third finish. Rate after several brews.

Reset your palate

Drink a glass of plain water before tasting. Avoid coffee, sugar, and strong smells for an hour before.

Describe what you actually feel

Don't try to guess the "correct" notes. If it smells like a wet forest to you — write that.

Ready to rate your first tea?

Find the tea you just tried and leave your first review. The community values every honest rating.