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Sipdown! (46 | 262)

Trying to get back into the habit of having a cup of Obubu tea every day, in an effort to get through the crazy amount of backlogged subscription teas I have from them. And we won’t even discuss the many full-size packages that I’m conveniently ignoring… ^^’

I really need to drink more hojicha, it’s perfect for fall! This has a lovely smooth toasty flavor with notes of fallen leaves and damp wood. There’s a grassiness to it as well that’s a bit… sharp? I don’t know how to describe what I mean, ha ha. It’s adding some astringency as well. There are some mild vegetal notes as well, something hearty and earthy like kale. Definitely tasting roasted nuts, I don’t know if I would specifically pick out pecan (which is what the description lists) but it’s in that general area. Maybe pecan or walnut skin? It lacks the richness of the actual nut and there’s a slight bitterness to it. And underneath is a deep caramelized flavor that adds dimension but not sweetness, and a touch of charcoal.

Anyway, it’s good, definitely quite savory for a hojicha. I just refilled the Obubu section of my countertop sipdown area, and there are some other roasted teas in there, hooray! :)

Flavors: Autumn Leaf Pile, Bitter, Brown Rice, Burnt Sugar, Charcoal, Dry Grass, Dry Leaves, Grain, Grass, Kale, Mineral, Pecan, Roasted Barley, Roasted Nuts, Smooth, Toasty, Vegetal, Wet Wood, Wood

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 1 min, 0 sec 5 g 7 OZ / 200 ML
gmathis

You’re right—that sounds perfect for autumn.

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gmathis

You’re right—that sounds perfect for autumn.

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Bio

Hi, I’m Cameron!

I’m a 30-something software engineer currently living in Austin, Texas with my husband and our two pugs, Gobo and Ume. I tend to cycle between my different hobbies, and they include piano, knitting, video games, board games, miniature painting, planners, bento, Korean skincare, and – of course – TEA! But really, what I’m best at is “collecting” hobby-related things… ;)

~ 2025 SIPDOWN CHALLENGE! ~
- February sipdowns: 5
- Total 2025 sipdowns: 39

I prefer my tea lukewarm or at room temperature and without milk or sugar. I steep Western style, and fluctuate between using big mugs or small teapots depending on the season.

I am always up for a swap! Just let me know if you’d like to try something in my cupboard.

Tea Preferences:
I enjoy both flavored and unflavored teas in many forms. These days, I drink mostly flavored teas, and I tend to gravitate most toward black, green, oolong, and herbal varieties. I do have a special fondness for straight Japanese green teas, however.

I do not sweeten my teas, and pre-sweetened teas are usually too sweet for me. I also do not enjoy stevia (or monkfruit, etc.).

I tend to reach for fruitier flavors rather than desserty ones these days, but I do have favorites from both categories. Willing to try anything once! There are a few ingredients/flavors that aren’t generally my jam, such as coconut, rose, lavender, and chocolate flavoring. But I also have teas that I love with some of those things, too! :)

Favorite Companies:
3 Leaf
Bird & Blend
Dammann Frères
Harney & Sons
Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms
Lupicia
Old Barrel Tea Co
Simpson & Vail
Taiwan Tea Crafts
TeaVivre

Tea Rating Scale:
90-100: Outstanding! Permanent cupboard resident
80-89: Great – a possible staple
70-79: Good, but I wouldn’t buy it
60-69: It’s decent
50-59: Meh… I may or may not have finished the cup
40-49: Ick. Couldn’t finish it.
00-39: Repulsive, I spat it out

I will sometimes refrain from rating a tea if I feel I’m too biased due to my personal dislikes, or if I suspect the sample has been compromised by age or scent contamination.

Cupboard Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZEuKf1-ppR-VXajO4vV39zU1N3zjFJteEPAynqD2yl0/edit?usp=sharing

Location

Austin, Texas

Website

https://www.instagram.com/tea...

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