Wakōcha is a lighter, more delicate black tea with a pleasant citrus quality. This tea is ideal for drinkers who find other black teas too astringent or bitter. Wakōcha is grown under full sun and briefly steamed, resulting in a Japanese "red tea," named for its striking color. Our Wakōcha is cultivated at 600m altitude in the tea gardens of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. This is a first harvest tea of the Yabukita cultivar. The aroma of the dry leaves is fruity, sweet, and a little malty. When brewed, the tea develops a dark amber liquor. We taste a soft, malty flavor accompanied by sweet, citrus notes, and a hint of orchid which lingers on the palate. Those who love red wine and sour beer will particularly enjoy the Wakocha flavor profile. The brightness of Wakocha pairs beautifully with rich desserts like chocolate cake. Wakocha also complements heavier savory dishes, like grilled and roasted meats. This selection was produced without pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers and harvested in May 2023.
