Often times I am not in the mood for the warm, roasted flavor of a houjicha, but with Autumn approaching, those flavors sounded just right for today.
The aroma of the brewed tea is in that neighborhood of nuttiness that is found when butter is left in a pan just a little too long (but not long enough to burn). Also present is a bit of roasted grain, similar to a mugicha (barley tea). Beneath these aromas is a foundation of dried branch, noticeable if you are looking for it.
The flavor is definitely round and warm, with elements of toasted grains and fallen oak leaves. The roasted twigs from the tea plant comes through on top, with the roasted grain flavor following. Not bitter or astringent, just warm and mellow.
I think this will become one of my favorites for the season, along with Lupicia’s chestnut-flavored teas.
You should definitely give this one a shot prepared per Lupicia’s instructions (60sec steep, fresh off a rolling boil) – it sounds like it shouldn’t work but it really, really does.
I will definitely try that, thanks!