Tea Review: Kyobancha Smoky Roasted Green Tea (Yunomi/Azuma Chaen)

Kyobancha Smoky Roasted Green Tea

Azuma Tea Farm (東茶園)/Yunomi
Type: Green
Origin: Japan, Kyoto Prefecture, Wazuka
Product Description:

Made from the leaves that have grown over the winter at the Azuma family farm, harvested in March in preparation for the spring harvest, steamed and dried without rolling, then deep-roasted by a specialist to create a strong, extra smoky tea.

Temperature: 175° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 1 minute

The dry leaves have a heavy aroma of smoke.

The infusion is golden in color with an aroma that is very smoky with just a hint of something fruity.  The taste is surprisingly smooth and unsurprisingly smoky with notes of roasted soybeans and roasted nuts and a long smoky and nutty finish.

While the smoky aroma was intimidating, I was very pleasantly surprised by how smooth and balanced the flavor was.  This was a rare instance where the aroma almost kept me from trying the tea and when I did I happily drank through three infusions in short order.  Note that the tea leaves are large and very lightweight due to the roasting process so 3 grams is equivalent to 2-3 heaping teaspoons.

This tea was purchased by me.

Tea Review: Wakocha Black Tea (Azuma Tea Farm)

Advent Tea Calendar Day 12

Wakocha Black Tea
Azuma Tea Farm/東茶園
Type: Black
Origin: Japan, Wazuka
Product Description: Available on the website(Japanese).

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

The dry leaves have a spicy, peppery aroma with notes of fragrant wood and plums.

The red infusion has an aroma of brown sugar and apricots with a hint of flowers and a taste of caramelized, fire-grilled vegetables.  

The first steeping is the best, producing the most character and nuance, though the floral notes in the second infusion did become more pronounced.

This tea was purchased by me.