Country: Japan
Region: Tanegashima, Kagoshima
Grade: Hon Dentou Reserve
This red (black) tea, called Wakoucha, comes from the island of Tanegashima (Kagoshima prefecture) and is from the first spring harvest. It was made from the rare "Shuntarou" cultivar. A first for a Japanese red tea, made in the traditional Hon Dentou manner, only the buds were hand-picked, then twisted during drying using the Chinese technique.
When steeped, its reddish liquor offers a fresh note of lilac flower, followed by the roundness and comfort of lily of the valley, autumn fruits, and citrus. Its aromatic and gustatory complexity is incomparable among Japanese red teas. This tea compares without hesitation to grand cru English and Chinese teas - a must-try!
Preparation: 5g=250ml / 90C° / 30sec / 4infusions