OVERVIEW

The world of possibilities in blending teas is immense, but no matter how inspired and informed the new blend you created and fell in love with last week was, commercial success is not guaranteed. Success depends on understanding how the art and the science of tea blending work together. This class starts with exploring how we find the inspiration for the ideation of a tea blend. Then step by step we look at the research, planning and leg-work required to carry the project to its successful completion. This includes how once the flavor, aroma, mouthfeel and visual profiles are perfected, science, technology and effective operational management systems are necessary to ensure that each blend performs consistently. We look at how organoleptic evaluations identify all the key desirable characteristics that define the product are used to evaluate all future iterations during development and processing. And what analytical measurements are taken to establish and maintain specifications throughout all production steps to ensure consistency, machinability, regulatory compliance and profitability. This class will have universal appeal to almost everyone in the tea trade who engages in the creation of enhanced teas - from tea shop owners and branded companies to wholesalers, importers and even tea growers. ADV.13: The Art of Flavoring, Blending and Scenting Part 1 is the first in a two-class series. The course author is Brian Keating. Click here to read his bio.

By taking this class you will know:

• The essential steps for successful tea blending.
• What to consider in the formulation and production of loose leaf, single serve and RTD teas.
• How to ensure that the key profile characteristcs of your blend remain consistent from ideation to final product.
• How to evaluate whether to do your own blending in house or work in partnership with a flavoring company.
• How to set up your own tea blender's workspace, what equipment is needed, etc.

No Class Kit Purchase Required

Students will need to supply the following additional materials BEFORE the class starts. These are not included in the class kit:

• One professional cupping set 
• An instant read thermometer
• A digital gram scale
• A timer
• Two teas from the class materials to cup: 14 grams of a loose leaf breakfast blend and 6 grams of ONE of the following classic teas: Constant Comment, Red Zinger, Genmaicha, Masala Chai, or Moroccan Mint. 

Class Length: 3 weeks

NOTE: ADV.11 is a pre-requisite for this class. You must have taken ADV.11 Blending, Flavoring, Scenting before taking this class.