Japanese Black Tea, Organic - WS
Japanese Black Tea, Organic - WS
Japan, with its warm climate and ample rain, is a perfect environment for tea growing. Tea growing is thought to have begun here in the 8th century. While other countries grow their tea bushes on hillsides and pick teas by hand, Japanese gardens are meticulously planted in rows along hills close to natural water sources. Although some teas are hand-picked in Japan, most of the tea grown here is mechanically picked and processed using high tech machinery. Also, unlike other countries that designate their teas by regions or estates, Japanese teas are generally sold by styles.
Japan is celebrated worldwide for their fine green teas, however, there are Japanese growers producing exceptional black teas as well. These dark, twisted, organically grown leaves unfurl into stylish black leaves with a forest aroma. The tea brews to a medium amber cup with a smooth brisk flavor.
This tea is air shipped directly from Japan from a grower with over 100 years of experience in producing award winning teas. Their operation is based in the western part of the Shizuoka Prefecture in the mountains in Morimachi.
Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3-5 minutes.
- In stock, ready to ship
- Backordered, shipping soon
The steeped leaves have a delicious malty aroma. If you like Assam teas or Irish Breakfast blends, you might enjoy this one. The brewed tea smells faintly like mushrooms and maybe soy sauce, in a pleasant way. I drank it straight, definitely astringent. Would probably handle milk well.The flavor has hints of savory vegetable broth. It reminds me of some biluochun (green) I have from Shandong province. That would go along with the other review that says it tastes like a black from people who make green!
Japan is obviously more known for green tea production, however their (first?) black tea here is interesting. The description above is pretty spot on, but it does taste a bit like a tea from an estate more accustomed to green than black, and would benefit from a bit more body. Not a bad quality leaf though, worth trying.
S&V's description for this tea is spot on. It has a woodsy aroma with a slight hint of berries when dry and looks quite lovely in the cup. It's not overly astringent or malty to me; just a good smooth cup! I would say it's perfect for an everyday sip.