Le glossaire
A taster's glossary Description of scents and aromas
Description of a general impression of the tea Infusion chart

Description of scents and aromas

Here is a list of terms commonly used to describe the olfactory and retro-olfactory impressions that occur during tea tasting and that allow us to express these sensations with reference to known aromas.

Hesperian notes:
These refer to citrus fruit aromas.

  • Orangey
  • Lemony
  • Zesty
  • Fruity notes:

  • Bitter almond
  • Green almond
  • Ripe fruit
  • Black fruit
  • Red fruit
  • Dried fruit
  • Fruity
  • Muscat grape
  • Peach
  • Green apple
  • Ripe grape
  • Floral notes:
    All flowery notes and in particular:
  • Freesia
  • Iris
  • Jasmine
  • Narcissus
  • Orchid
  • Rose
  • Spicy notes:
  • Aniseed
  • Cocoa
  • Malt
  • Nutmeg
  • Menthol
  • Honey
  • Pepper
  • Liquorice
  • Vegetable and woodland notes:
    These are the woody, balsamic, musty notes.
  • Dry wood
  • Green wood
  • Bark
  • Chestnut
  • Peat
  • Herb
  • Moss
  • Rocky
  • Undergrowth
  • Damp earth after a storm
  • Woody
  • Empyreal notes:
    Denoting a series of aromas and smells which bring to mind smoke, burning, caramelising.
  • Burnt
  • Grilled
  • Smoked
  • Go further with The Tea School.

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