Spotlight on Last Year’s Tea Tasting Competition
Last year’s Tea Tasting Competition brought together tasters from across the industry to put their skills to the test. We caught up with Mathew Lee, one of the competitors, and Mero Lam, the competition’s winner - UK Tea Tasting Champion -, to hear about their experiences and what the event meant to them.
Mathew Lee - Competitor
Why did you join the competition?
I joined because I enjoy exploring different aspects of taste and wanted to see how far tea tasting can go. It was a great opportunity to challenge myself and discover more about the world of tea.
How was the experience?
It was definitely challenging, especially with time management during the tasks. But overall, I really enjoyed it – it was fun and engaging throughout.
Would you recommend it to someone? Why?
Absolutely! It’s a great chance to meet new people in the industry, share knowledge, and get exposed to fresh perspectives and ideas.
Would you do it again? Why?
Yes, I would definitely do it again if I get the chance. It was a valuable experience and a unique kind of competition that I think everyone should try at least once.
Final thoughts
Taking part helped me improve my sensory skills and boosted my confidence in tasting and talking about tea. It was also a great learning experience that I can carry forward in my career.
Mero Lam — Winner of the Competition
Mero Lam Uk Tea Tasting Champion
Why did you join the competition?
I have been learning about sensory skills for years, and when I heard about the tea tasting competition from my pattern, I felt like it’s a chance to test out my ability.
How was the experience?
It was very intense and fun at the same time. Although I was pretty nervous on stage, I can still recall how delicious the teas were.
Would you recommend it to someone? Why?
Absolutely. Participating in the tea tasting competition helped broaden my experience as a taster. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their sensory technique.
Would you do it again? Why?
I will be competing in the tea tasting competition this year. Last year I was honoured to become the UK Tea Tasting Champion and the runner-up of the European Tea Tasting Competition. I wish I can keep it up and do even better this year.
Final thoughts
Taking part in the competition helped me better understand my strengths and weaknesses in sensory skills. On one hand, it reassures my ability to perform as a coffee QC manager. On the other hand, it reminds me that exploring new flavours is the key to becoming a better taster.