#586  Known for their green teas, Japan produces only a small amount of black tea so this organic black tea—produced from a hybrid of C. sinensis var assamica and var. sinensis plants that was developed in the Kagoshima prefecture in 1965—must be tried! More vegetal than a typical black tea, this special tea has a sweetish­—almost chocolatey parsnip—flavor. Without maltiness, it’s smooth and creamy.

Preparation: 3 g tea leaves (1 heaping teaspoon) per 8 oz cup of filtered water, boiled and cooled to 90°C/194°F. Allow to brew 2–3 min.

Black Classic, Premium