“Thank you Derk! Here’s my input-I’m going to have a hard time going into this tea blind since I’ve read your note and the description from the website, so here it goes. I brew this in my gong fu 2...” Read full tasting note
“April 28th, 2021 harvest, grown without pesticides Second time this has happened in the middle of typing a glowing review of this tea — backspaced myself out of the pop-up window and lost it...” Read full tasting note
[Grown without pesticide]
Cinnamon, camphor, orange
Oxidation: ★★☆ / Intensity: ★★☆
Astringency (tannins): ★☆☆
The result of crosses between Indian, Chinese and Japanese varieties, Benihikari was registered as a variety for black tea in 1969, which was when the authorities decided to stop promoting black tea production in Japan. Thus, this promising variety has never known glory. However, with the revival of interest in Japanese black teas in recent years, many are turning to Benihikari as an alternative to Benifûki. These two teas are very different in terms of aromas, but they are perfectly complementary.
This Benihikari cultivar black tea from Iwata, is marvelous.
The fragrance is very rich, evoking cinnamon and caramel with a note of camphor. In the mouth, the tannins are elegant, not aggressive, and counterbalanced by this tea’s mouth-watering aspects. The camphor and menthol aromas are the first to come out, but then they are replaced by spicy notes and hints of vanilla.
This is a rich, warm black tea. Benihikari is a variety with very special characteristics and it might not be to everybody’s taste, but those who like this type of tea will be in heaven with this Benihikari from Iwata.
Type of tea : Black tea
Origin : Iwata Municipality, Shizuoka Prefecture
Cultivar : Benihikari
Harvest : April 28th, 2021
Brewing suggestion
Quantity of leaves: 3g Quantity of water : 150ml / 2/3 cup Water temperature : 95-100°C / 203-212°F Brewing time : 5 minCompany description not available.