Kukicha Sencha

Otherwise known as 'stem tea', Kukicha consists of the stalks of the tea plant. This particular tea is known as a Karigane Kukicha, due to it being made from the stalks and stems of higher grade Gyokuru tea leaves. These leaves are from the first harvest of the season and are considered the finest in terms of quality. In fact it is rare to find such a high quality Kukicha that has not bee kept by the producers themselves.

The tea is produced by the renowned Otsuka Tea Company in Kakegawa, Japan. Their gardens are located in the shadow of Mt Fuji and so benefit from the mineral rich soil at its base. Otsuka have been growing on this land since the Edo period.

Expect notes of ripe mango from the tea, with rich umami flavours and a pleasant vegetal note. An excellent example of Kukicha.

WESTERN BREWING STYLE 

GONGFU BREWING STYLE