Giles Oakley on The Art & Science of Tea

The Human Risk Podcast

What does tea have to do with human behaviour? A lot more than you might think. On this epusoed, I'm exploring one of the world's most popular drinks and what we can learn from it.
Summary
My guest is Giles Oakley, a professional tea taster, entrepreneur, and long-time friend. Giles began his career at Tetley before co-founding Two Spoons Tea, a company dedicated to celebrating tea as the hero crop it is.
Over the course of our conversation, Giles introduces me—and you—to the rich history and intricate science behind tea. From its origins in Camellia sinensis to the skill of blending, he reveals why tea is far more complex than we often think.
Giles takes us behind the scenes of tea tasting and blending, offering fascinating insights into how colour, flavour, and texture are meticulously evaluated. We even do a live tea tasting during the episode!
Along the way, Giles shares incredible stories, from the history of tea pillows to the traditions of tea production in Kenya and Darjeeling. His passion for elevating tea is contagious, and it shines through in the ethos of his company.Whether you’re a casual tea drinker or a full-on enthusiast, this episode has something for you.
Learn about the art of crafting consistent tea blends, the delicate balance of tradition and innovation, and the personal philosophy that drives Giles’ business. And of course, don’t forget to grab a cup of your favourite brew while you listen—it’s the perfect pairing.

Guest Biography
Giles Oakley is a professional tea taster and co-founder of Two Spoons Tea, a company devoted to celebrating tea as a hero crop.
After starting his career at Tetley in 1998, Giles spent over 20 years in the tea industry, travelling the world and mastering the art of tea tasting and blending. With expertise honed in places like Kenya, India, and Malawi, Giles eventually decided to step away from corporate life and create his own tea brand.
Two Spoons Tea focuses on high-quality, ethically sourced blends that honour the social and cultural importance of tea. Giles and his business partner Mark, are committed to using their tea-tasting expertise to provide customers with exceptional, sustainably sourced products.
Their ethos revolves around making tea fun, accessible, and memorable while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
AI Generated Timestamped Summary
[00:00:00] Introduction to tea as a topic and Giles Oakley as the guest
[00:01:00] Giles’ journey into the tea trade and the importance of tea in daily life
[00:03:00] Tea’s global impact and its complex journey from bush to cup
[00:06:00] How blending creates consistency in tea flavours
[00:08:00] The art and science of tea tasting, including blindfolded tastings
[00:11:00] Why tea is an underrated hero crop and its social significance
[00:19:00] Starting Two Spoons Tea and building a company ethos
[00:23:00] The difference between tea bags and tea pillows
[00:27:00] Balancing tradition and innovation in the tea industry
[00:32:00] Tea as a personal and cultural experience
[00:43:00] Myths about tea, including caffeine content and hydration benefits
[00:46:00] Ethical Tea Partnership and ensuring supply chain integrity
[00:48:00] Giles’ most memorable cups of tea
Links

Two Spoons Tea website
Two Spoons Tea Instagram
Ethical Tea Partnership
Camellia sinensis plant
Episodes of the show featuring Professor Charles Spence on Sensory Perception and Sensehacking