In Short
If you are looking for a special tea tasting experience in Hamburg, you will find it in a coffee museum of all places. In the heart of the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district, the Burg Roastery Coffee Museum invites you to a surprisingly intense tea tasting experience. What may sound unusual at first quickly turns out to be a real highlight for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the world of tea. In around 90 minutes, you will not only learn about a wide variety of teas, but also find out what really makes a difference in terms of origin, processing, and preparation — and why fruit tea is not actually “real” tea, strictly speaking.
Tea Instead of Coffee — and With Passion
Although the museum is dedicated to coffee, there is a real tea expert here: Andreas. And you can immediately tell that he is passionate about his subject. In around 90 minutes, he takes you on a journey from the tea garden to your cup.
First, there’s some theory — but don’t worry, it won’t be dry. Quite the opposite, in fact. You’ll learn where tea originally comes from, how the plants are grown, what role climate and soil play, and how a leaf ultimately becomes green, black, or white tea. And did you know that fruit tea is not actually “real” tea, strictly speaking? Or what exactly distinguishes chai from tea? It’s moments like these that make tea tasting so special.
From Green to Pu Er – an Impressive Variety
After the theoretical introduction, it’s finally time to taste – and that’s really an experience. Tasting is done with special tasting utensils that are specially designed to consciously perceive aromas.
The selection is huge: green tea, black tea, white and yellow tea, oolong, pu-erh, matcha, and numerous flavored classics as well as fruity blends. A total of around 30 different teas are available. So you can taste your way around the world and discover your personal favorite.
It is particularly exciting to taste the subtle differences between regions of origin and processing methods. Some teas are grassy and fresh, others malty and strong, while others surprise with earthy or floral notes. Even if you think you know everything there is to know about tea, you will definitely learn something new here.
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Tea Tasting in the Vaulted Cellar of the Speicherstadt
The tasting takes place in the cellar of the historic building. Brick walls, softly dimmed lighting, and the special atmosphere of the Speicherstadt warehouse district create a truly atmospheric setting. And while you’re there, admission to the coffee museum is included.
So, before or after the tasting, you can stroll through the exhibition free of charge and learn more about the history of coffee, old roasting machines, and trade in the Speicherstadt. An exciting addition, even if you actually came “just” for the tea.
More Than Just Tea
In addition to tea tastings, coffee and even gin tastings are also offered here. The establishment sees itself as a place of indulgence for anyone who wants to delve deeper into flavors and origins. There is also a café on the upper floor of the building. It’s the perfect place to relax and round off your visit with a hot drink of your choice and a slice of cake. Especially on cooler days in Hamburg, it’s a really cozy way to end your visit.
Practical Tips for Your Visit at the Tea Tasting in Hamburg
- Book in advance: The tea tasting only takes place with a minimum of five people and is quickly booked up, especially on weekends. Reserve your spot in advance.
- Allow plenty of time: The tasting lasts around 90 minutes. Allow extra time for the coffee museum – the visit is included and well worth it.
- Come with a neutral palate: Avoid strongly spiced food, coffee, or perfume beforehand so that you can better appreciate the delicate aromas of the teas.
- Don’t come on a full stomach – but don’t come hungry either: A light meal beforehand is ideal, as you will be tasting many different teas.
- Take notes: With around 30 types of tea, it’s easy to lose track. If you want to discover a favorite, it’s worth recording your impressions.
- Plan a café visit: At the top of the building, you can relax and round off your visit with cake and hot drinks. Perfect for a cozy afternoon in the Speicherstadt.
- Easily accessible: The Baumwall or Überseequartier subway stations are only a few minutes’ walk away – why not combine your tea tasting with a stroll through the Speicherstadt?
If you’ve always wanted to dive deeper into the world of tea, the tea tasting at the Coffee Museum in Hamburg is the perfect introduction — surprising, informative, and definitely more than just a few sips from a cup.
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