Wakocha Sashima
Fukumidori P.Free

Character

Tasting Notes

The northern tea-growing regions beyond Shizuoka and the greater Tokyo area are not necessarily associated with particularly fruity black teas. The climate is cooler and harsher than in many other Japanese terroirs, while the comparatively low elevation might suggest a more straightforward character. This makes this Wakocha all the more intriguing.

Even the aroma comes as a surprise. At first, delicate notes of rum chocolate rise from the Kyusu. After infusion, the aromatic profile changes noticeably. The opened leaves now evoke ripe prunes, lending the fragrance a deeper, fruitier dimension.

On the palate, the tea is remarkably approachable from the outset. A gentle sweetness forms the foundation, accompanied by a hint of fresh citrus. Most notable is the pronounced cherry notes that run throughout the infusion. It gives the tea an elegance one might not necessarily expect under these growing conditions. The tea farm’s shaded location, surrounded by trees, may contribute to this, as may the Fukumidori cultivar, which proves exceptionally well-suited to this Wakocha. At our recommended low infusion temperatures of between 70 and 80°C, the tea’s fruity character comes to the fore.

The character remains intact in subsequent infusions. The sweetness recedes slightly, making way for delicate mineral notes. The fruity notes undergo a subtle transformation: ripe cherry notes transition to the more stony, gently tart character of a cherry stone. It is precisely this transition that makes the tea so distinctive and keeps it remarkably engaging through at least the third infusion.

Overall, this Wakocha displays a rare combination of fruitiness, softness and clarity. It is neither particularly powerful nor spectacularly complex, yet impresses with its balance and natural elegance. It is an excellent choice for lovers of black tea, as well as connoisseurs looking to explore beyond the typically floral and sweet profile of Wakocha.

Leaf

Small, delicate black-brown leaves and reddish buds

Cup

Deep orange with a golden sheen

Laboratory Tests

We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Likewise, the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.