Tea Review: Wazuka Sannen Bancha (Uejima Tea Farm/Yunomi)

Wazuka Sannen Bancha, 3-Year Aged Roasted Bancha Tea/京都宇治和束茶 三年番茶
Yunomi/Uejima Tea Farm

Type: Green
Origin: Japan, Kyoto Prefecture, Wazuka Village
Product Description:

Perhaps you have heard of bancha but what exactly is a sannen bancha? Taking spring bancha, first flush tea leaves harvested after they have grown large (late flushing spring leaves), Uejima-san processes them into dry leaf, then puts them into storage for at least 3 years. After pulling the leaves out of storage, they are then roasted. A tea that is considered to be friendly for all ages because; in comparison to sencha, it has less caffeine and tannins, which can be stimulating for some. A tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold, and don't forget to appreciate that it was sleeping (i.e., in storage) for 3 years!!

* Generally, Japanese tea (i.e., sencha) is made from harvesting, steaming and processing the new buds of tea bushes. These types of teas are considered best when drunk fresh. However, sannen bancha is a little different in that it comes from bushes that have been uncut for three years or from stems and leaves that have matured for three years.

Temperature: 195° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 2 minutes

The dry leaf aroma has notes of roasted nuts, pepper, and dry autumn leaves.

The golden liquor has a tart and peppery aroma with notes of charcoal-roasted nuts and nut shells.  The taste has notes of roasted nuts, and caramelized sugar with a long roasted nutty finish and a hint of sweetness that reminded me of caramelized sugar.

Preparing this tea with water at 195° F and a consistent 2-minute steeping time resulted in a deliciously roasty results throughout three infusions with the promise of more.  I was reminded of crisp autumn leaves and freshly roasted nuts and there was something in the finish that reminded me of crispy snack pretzels, an unexpected tasting note.

This tea was purchased by me.