There is something very muted and controlled about this tea. It reminds me of a high-grown Ceylon, from Nuwara Eliya, and I would probably believe it if someone labeled it as such. A faint malty aroma is barely present under a light, rice-like quality. Only a faint bitterness in the aftertaste, and very little astringency.

I settled on two different ways of brewing: more leaf, and a single 1 minute infusion followed by a second one of 3 minutes. And less leaf, with a single 3 minute infusion. Using the second method, which I preferred, the tea was much maltier, but the malt was still more of an undertone and the dominant character was still the aroma of rice.

Very enjoyable. This was my first Japanese black tea, and on some level, it is exactly what I had expected out of such a tea. Pricey but good quality and not unreasonable given the unusualness of this offering.

Add your own review

Login or Sign Up to comment on this review.