Cloudy Valley, Formosa tea

To accommodate the busy, fast-paced lifestyle of modern individuals, we’ve been exploring tea brewing methods that are more convenient yet retain the quality and characteristics of traditional teapot or gaiwan brewing. Ideally, this method would ensure the aroma, flavor, and lingering aftertaste of the tea while creating a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Here, we introduce the Half-Cup Brewing Style by Cloudy Valley.

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Why Half-Cup? A Fortunate Discovery

The idea of using half a cup originated from years of brewing tea in mugs. We noticed that reducing the water volume often made the flavor more intense, which seemed reasonable. But why did the aroma also become more prominent?

Initially, we attributed this to the tea-to-water ratio (the weight proportion of tea leaves to water). However, when using the same ratio to fill the mug 80–90% full, the aroma wasn’t as pronounced.

The realization came when we noticed the condensation of tea vapor forming droplets on the rim of the mug.

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How Half-Cup Brewing Enhances Aroma

The aroma of tea (volatile compounds) rises with the steam from the hot water. As the steam ascends within the mug, the cooler rim condenses it into tea droplets.

At lower temperatures, tea aromas often lean towards floral and honey-like notes (similar to the fragrance lingering in the bottom of small teacups when using a teapot). This combines with the high-temperature aroma of the tea vapor, making the half-filled mug distinctly more aromatic.

Additionally, the design of the mug directs the aroma upward in a straight line, making it easier for the drinker to perceive. By contrast, a fully filled mug allows the aroma to diffuse in all directions, resulting in a less concentrated scent.

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Key Insights into the Half-Cup Phenomenon

These two primary factors contribute to the unique aromatic experience of the half-cup brewing style:

1. The condensation of tea vapor at the cooler mug rim.
2. The vertical concentration of aroma facilitated by the mug’s shape.

While the term “half-cup" is used, you don’t need to adhere strictly to this measurement. Filling the mug approximately 50–60% is sufficient. The concept focuses on enhancing aroma, while the flavor intensity still depends on the tea-to-water ratio.

Try this method and experience the difference yourself!