Tea Club Hosts Third Annual Formal Celebrating Seasonal Brews

On February 8, 2026, the Hopkins Tea Club hosted its third annual “Tea Formal” at the George Peabody Library located within the Peabody Institute in Mount Vernon. This event served as a celebration of tea culture, inviting attendees from both the Peabody and Homewood campuses of Johns Hopkins University to explore the art of tea brewing and its rich traditions.

Exploring Seasonal Teas

This year’s theme, “Four Seasons,” guided participants through a tasting journey that highlighted various teas representative of each season. The event showcased a range of flavors, from floral hints to woody notes, allowing attendees to appreciate the delicate nuances of brewed beverages. The focus was primarily on Chinese teas, including varieties such as jasmine and oolong.

The breathtaking ambiance of the George Peabody Library enhanced the experience. With its walls lined with old books and a grand hallway that evoked a sense of history, attendees were immersed in a tranquil setting that complemented the tasting. Soft music played in the background, creating a soothing environment for guests to enjoy.

The formal began with a welcoming offering of chrysanthemum tea paired with crab roe-flavored sunflower seeds. The tea, characterized by its light, pale yellow hue, delivered a flowery and subtly sweet taste, while the sunflower seeds added a satisfying crunch to the experience. Guests appreciated the refreshing, honey-like aftertaste of the tea, setting the tone for the evening.

A Journey Through Tea

As the event progressed, the organizers prepared the tasting room, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in a deeper understanding of each beverage. The club’s brewer, Katalin Maji, demonstrated expertise and passion throughout the tasting process. Maji offered insightful explanations about the origins, descriptions, and traditions of the teas, making each serving accessible even for those with limited experience.

Every tea was a loose-leaf variety, meticulously prepared using traditional brewing methods. This careful approach allowed each tea’s unique flavor profile to emerge fully. The progression through the seasons began with raw pu-erh for spring, followed by green tea for summer, oolong for autumn, and concluded with old white tea representing winter. Many guests expressed particular fondness for the dark teas, which offered bolder, citrusy flavors and a comforting aftertaste.

During a brief intermission, attendees enjoyed light snacks designed to cleanse the palate, including flower cores, mung bean pastries, rice cakes, and green tea eggrolls. The eggrolls, in particular, garnered rave reviews for their perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, enhancing the overall experience.

The Tea Formal provided a rare chance for participants to dress up, unwind, and savor each sip amidst the busyness of the semester. For those interested in future events, the Tea Club shares updates and additional information through its Instagram account and Linktree, which also includes recommendations for local restaurants in Baltimore.