LAS VEGAS, Nev. (June 14, 2011) --- The best infusionists are set to showcase their scientific and artistic skills at the 2011 Tea Infusion Challenge, June 26 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the 2011 World Tea Expo in Las Vegas, Nev., which runs June 24 – 26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Tea Infusion Challenge is a competitive event, to determine the best Infusionist --- a tea professional, a non-manufacturer that has comprehensive product knowledge, a high level of brewing skills and the innate talent to best express a tea’s characteristics and its intended cup.......

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Tea Infusion Challenge Showcases The Science, Artistry Of Tea

Tea Sommeliers and Experts Demonstrate Their Knowledge and Passion for Tea in a Fierce and Interactive Competition at World Tea Expo, June 26

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (June 14, 2011) --- The best infusionists are set to showcase their scientific and artistic skills at the 2011 Tea Infusion Challenge, June 26 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the 2011 World Tea Expo in Las Vegas, Nev., which runs June 24 – 26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Tea Infusion Challenge is a competitive event, to determine the best Infusionist --- a tea professional, a non-manufacturer that has comprehensive product knowledge, a high level of brewing skills and the innate talent to best express a tea’s characteristics and its intended cup.

The competition features four contenders --- each prepares four cups of tea within 15 minutes, including: a Darjeeling tea, provided by G.S. Haly; a matcha tea, provided by Aiya America; an oolong tea, provided by ABC Tea; and a puer tea, provided by Qtrade Teas & Herbs.

The highly competitive, interactive Tea Infusion Challenge demonstrates how the same tea can taste drastically different depending on the method used to steep the tea.

“It's not just about water temperature or steeping times,” says Kim Jage, executive vice president of World Tea Expo. “It’s about moving beyond the basics of tea. The contenders of the event, all tea experts, approach tea methodically and imaginatively; they embrace the tea’s nuances.”

Tea Infusion Challenge judges rate each contender on: quality of infusion, such as color, taste, smell and leaf agony; technical skills, such as timing, volume and overall presentation; and tea knowledge.

Judges include representatives from the competition’s sponsoring companies: Thomas Shu, ABC Tea; Fumi Sugita, Aiya America; Mo Sardella, The G.S. Haly Company; and Manik Jayakumar, Qtrade Teas & Herbs.

The emcee of the upcoming event is 2010 Top Tea Infusionist Suzzette Hammond, Adagio Teas. Hammond is set to lead a discussion between audience members and Tea Infusion Challenge contenders. She plans to ask each competitor specific questions about the teas they are steeping and their chosen methodologies during their preparations.

Competitors include: Steven Downer of Sipping Streams Tea Company, a student of tea for more than five years; Amy Lawrence of Afternoon to Remember Fine Tea and Gifts as well as ATR Publishing, who once owned a tea room that was named Best Small Tea Room in the U.S. in 2006; Jonathan Munsayac of Tranquil Tea Lounge, who has more than 10 years of experience in restaurant management; and Kasia Vermaire, the first Dutch Tea sommelier and winner of the 2010 Dutch Tea Sommelier Competition.

The 2011 Tea Infusion Challenge is sponsored by ABC Tea, Aiya, the G.S. Haly Company and Q Trade Teas & Herbs.

About World Tea Expo

World Tea Expo, which is the largest and most prominent event for the tea industry, caters to tea retailers, restaurateurs, food service leaders, hoteliers, spa owners and other business professionals who want to learn more about the latest products, business opportunities and tea trends. The event takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, June 24 – 26, 2011, and conference registration and details are available at www.WorldTeaExpo.com.

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