Interestingly enough this kukicha had a subtle sweetness to it that was detectable upon every sip. This was a free sample that was given to me so I had no idea what it was by looking at the package but once I opened it I knew. Pretty nice brewed liquid. The teabag version was a bit chopped compared to what the loose leaf would be but I don’t think it changed the taste at all. Enjoyable, but doesn’t have the taste that a sencha or gyokuro tea would capture in regards to the freshness of Japanese teas.