With the scent of freshly cut roses and a bright hint of mint, this Japanese wakoucha made from the Shizukaori cultivar stands apart from black teas of other countries. Floral and herbal top notes open into rich, fermented undertones, creating a fragrance that’s both complex and harmonious. Elegant and subtly sweet, this stylish wakoucha delivers an aromatic balance rarely found in black tea.
In the heart of Shizuoka at an elevation of 350 meters, Houkouen Tea Farm sits on the lush, green mountains of Ryogouchi. Over 20 varieties of tea are cultivated and processed on these steep tea fields, where Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. At Houkouen, their philosophy is simple: they pay respect to the tea and let it follow its natural course without unnecessary human interference. This is to create teas that are truly a product of nature.
What sets Houkouen's tea apart is its distinctive fragrant aromas, unique to the mountainous areas of Shizuoka, that are challenging to replicate.
Houkouen's tea is carefully cultivated in nutrient-rich soil, with minimal pesticide and without over-fertilization, allowing natural umami and aroma development in their tea. Adhering to the wisdom of their ancestors that "crops thrive on the sound of footsteps," Houkouen farmers tend to their fields with great care. Whether everyday or specialty teas, Houkouen meticulously crafts and delivers high quality Japanese tea to all tea enthusiasts.
Location: Ryogochi, Shizuoka
Taste Profile: Fresh Cut Rose, Mint, Honeysuckle Blossoms
Cultivar: Shizukaori (Single Cultivar)
Steaming Level : Light (Asamushi)
Harvest Method: Machine-harvested
Umami: ◾
Sweetness: ◾◾◾
Astringency: ◾◾
Aroma: ◾◾◾◾◾
Best for : Anyone curious about Japanese black tea with a fresh, floral twist—smooth, delicate, and refreshingly different.
How to brew:
- Use 3-4g of tea leaves. (2 servings)
- Add 120ml of 175°F water
- Steep the tea for 1 minute.
- Squeeze out every last drop before serving.
Best by date: 12 months (unopened)
80g