Tea Review: Zairai First Flush Black Tea from Sashima (Thés du Japon)

Zairai First Flush Black Tea from Sashima
Thés du Japon
Type: Black
Origin: Japan, Ibaraki Prefecture, Sashima District, Sakai
Product Description:

Sashima, in Ibaraki prefecture north-east of Tokyo, is a small, yet very dynamic tea production area. It mostly produces sencha but, in the last few years, a handful of producers have also become masters of black tea production.  This tea was harvested from indigenous “zarai” trees in the spring, and its processing involved relatively light oxidation.  This black tea delivers an intense sweet floral fragrance, evoking mild honey. with buttery nuances.  The tea is also very rich in the mouth. And we find at the end, particularly delicious sweet floral aromas.  A very aromatic black tea without any astringency; this is a genuine nectar.

Temperature: 208° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 3-4 minutes

The dry leaves have a sweet and floral aroma with notes of fragrant wood and grains.

The amber infusion has a savory and sweet aroma with notes of baked fruit and nuts and a floral hint.  The taste is dark and savory with a hint of tart fruit and no astringency.

The initial infusion had notes that reminded me of dark bread .  Subsequent infusions developed more floral notes in aroma and flavor while the liquor color became golden.  Increasing the steeping time after the first infusion brought out fuller flavor and overall this was a very tasty tea throughout three infusions.

This tea was received as a gift from a third party.