Tips and tastes from a tea master

Imagine tasting up to 500 cups of tea a day? Well, it’s all been part of tea master John Cheetham’s 17- year career . Today the 41- year- old Brit blends thousands of tea varieties for Pure Leaf Real Brewed Tea among a number of brands. On a visit from his base in New York City to Vancouver, we got the lowdown on the importance of those hand- select leaves and just how best to serve summer ice tea.

Q How did you become a tea master?

A Becoming a tea master comes with years of experience working and tasting teas from around the world. It is a mastery that can only be truly cultivated on the job.

Q Have you always loved tea and ice tea?

A I have always loved tea and I became enamoured with ice tea when I was introduced to it in North America.

Q When is the peak for a tea leaf, and why is it important to pick leaves at this time?

A Depending on where a particular tea is from, they can be perennial and picked through the year, or seasonal in other areas. The best tea leaves are the top two leaves on a bud. Those are the best for producing top- quality teas. It is important to pick tea at its peak .

Q There are many variations of ice tea. Describe your favourites and why?

A I love the natural astringency and balance that a blend of black tea brings.

Q Ice or no ice, and how do you make it look inviting?

A The simplest steps can create great presentation — fresh lemon, mint and ice.

Q Which is the best way to enjoy summer ice tea? A I enjoy ice tea best with food.