ZG44: Organic China Houjicha

This tea has been retired/discontinued.

Picture of ZG44: Organic China Houjicha
Brand:Upton Tea Imports
Style:Hojicha
Caffeine:Caffeinated
Region:China
Loose/teabag:Loose

This tea's info last updated: Nov. 3, 2017

Commercial Description

This selection offers a slightly darker cup color than many Japanese varieties of Houjicha, yet it possesses the same smooth, mellow character for which this tea is known. Toasty notes predominate, with a mild pungent, tangy quality which gently lingers on the palate.

Brewing Instructions: (from Upton Tea Imports)

Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 180°
Steep Time: 3 min.

Ratings & Reviews

Page 1 of 1 page with 2 reviews

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Reviewer pic53 Aroma: 4/10 Flavor: 3/5 Value: 3/5
(215 reviews) on

This tea has a very intense aroma. The flavor is pretty smooth, and a lot like black teas. I like that it's not as vegetal-tasting as most green teas. It still has a vegetal aroma, though. I like the roasted flavor. I added cream and sugar.
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Reviewer pic87 Aroma: 8/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 5/5
(1453 reviews) on

I normally think of Chinese versions of Japanese styles of tea as imitations, lower in price and quality than their "original" counterparts. But I liked this one very much, in fact, much more than the considerably pricier TJ41 (which Upton has since discontinued), and TJ40. It immediately became my new favorite hojicha, which is surprising given that it is among the most inexpensive that I've sampled.

This was a fairly twiggy (about 25% twig) hojicha with a very dark roast. It brews a very dark cup. It is surprisingly complex in aroma, however. Unlike some dark-roast hojicha, this one only slightly suggests coffee. The aroma is woody and twiggy There is a creamy, vanilla-like quality, and a surprisingly strong fruitiness.

Considerably less sour than most dark hojicha. Upton says "tangy" and I think I would agree, it's more tangy than sour. The flavor also has a crispness in it usually lacking in hojicha.

Overall, very pleasing to drink!

My favorite hojicha yet, which is surprising given that it is also among the cheapest I've tried. And it's certified organic, to boot. Upton has done a good job locating this one, and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes this style of tea.
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Page 1 of 1 page with 2 reviews

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