Tasting
Astringency
The drying, puckering sensation in your mouth — tannins binding to your saliva proteins.
Not bitterness — astringency is a tactile sensation, not a taste. Black teas, sencha and young sheng are all naturally astringent. A tea that is both astringent and brisk is described as 'brisk and lively'; one that is over-astringent is 'harsh'.
