Tea Review: Whisky Oak Barrel Wood Smoked Hojicha (Kaneroku Matsumoto Tea Garden/Yunomi)

Whisky Oak Barrel Wood Smoked Hojicha/燻製焙茶 洋酒樽

Yunomi/Kaneroku Matsumoto Tea Garden
Type: Flavored Green
Origin: Japan, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimada
Product Description:

Hiroki Matsumoto, the young farmer at Kaneroku Matsumoto Tea Garden is always challenging himself to create unique and extraordinary teas. This hojicha is indeed a distinct and fascinating hojicha, roasted from whisky oak barrel wood. While the smokiness may be quite surprising and expressive in comparison to typical hojichas, this tea is not overpowering. A perfect hojicha to enjoy in the winter time. What is more, it can also be enjoyed cold-brewed in the hot summer days! 

Temperature: 194° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes

The dry leaf aroma is smoky and sweet.

The amber liquor has an aroma of sweet smoke and roasted nuts.  The taste is boldly smoky with a long smoky finish.

This is possibly one of the most uniquely smoky teas I've tasted, with mesquite-like notes in the dry leaf aroma and a sharp feeling in the nostrils similar to wasabi after the first couple sips.  Comparing a 5-minute first steep to a 3-minute steep, I found I preferred the results from the shorter steeping time. The fullest flavor was in the first two infusions.

This tea was purchased by me.