The Tea Taster   As far as the terminology is concerned, the tea taster is an expert with a particularly trained and skilled palate. Using his or her eyes, nose, and eyes, the tea taster checks on details such as consistency, appearance, and colour. The job in its traditional sense – i.e. with the focus on tasting and classifying various teas – no longer exists in our part of the world. These days, a tea taster has to act in a far more versatile role in order to satisfy the requirements of the market. His or her task comprises the entire range from the initial purchase via tasting and blending to the final distribution – and linked with these are many commercial tasks. This is the only way to guarantee that the tea is always bought at the best market conditions in order to satisfy customer demands. More than ever, this professional field is characterized by team work – in-house as well as in the continuous communication with suppliers, customers, and external laboratories.