Step 1: Infusion
To begin the process, TWG Tea tasters infuse the tea leaves in individual sized, ceramic white infusion pots. The small pitchers are unique to the Darjeeling tasting ritual, with short sharp spouts akin to a bird’s beak. The infusion pot comes with a fitted lid used towards the end of the tasting where the infused wet leaves are displayed in their full glory, allowing the tea taster to take in the wafts of aroma and notes of sweet, fruity, malty, tart from the fresh harvests. Teas are infused for about 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the selection.