1:00 - 1:45 pm Miller Hall 1 - Single Garden, One Cultivar, Five Styles (Shirley Chen)
In this guided tasting, we’ll explore how one tea garden and a single cultivar can express five distinct styles—crafted through different processing choices across the season. You’ll taste and compare multiple infusions while learning: (1) how processing steps (withering, oxidation, fixation, shaping, drying) shape aroma, body, and finish; (2) how to build a clear sensory vocabulary using a simple tasting framework; and (3) how to identify “garden character” that stays consistent across styles. Expect an approachable, story-driven session that connects tea to place, people, and craft.
1:00 pm - Single Garden, One Cultivar, Five Styles (Shirley Chen)
Shirley Chen is the founder of Brew & Blossom, a small-batch Chinese tea brand focused on direct-from-origin sourcing and tea education. With an M.S. in Tea Science, she curates seasonal teas made by her family and trusted growers in China, highlighting cultivar, harvest, and craftsmanship. Shirley’s mission is to make fine Chinese tea approachable for both beginners and enthusiasts through guided tastings, clear sensory language, and practical brewing tips (gongfu and Western). She enjoys helping people connect tea to place, people, and process—one cup at a time.
Please note that all ticket purchases are non-refundable. However, tickets may be transferred to another individual. If you plan to gift or transfer your class ticket, please email us with the new attendee’s full name. Education@teafestpdx.com