Ippodo Gokujo Houjicha

Gokujo Houjicha (meaning finest quality houjicha) was sent to me for review by Ippodo, a Japanese tea company from Kyoto that also ships worldwide.

The roasted bancha leaves are dark brown, and they have a great aroma.

It has chocolate and some mint tones along the characteristic roasted smell of houjicha.

I could just smell this tea all day 🙂

Time to brew it!

I took 4 grams of tea and steeped it in hot water for 30 seconds.

The dark amber liquid has a roasted, slightly sweet fragrance. It looks very provocative.

Regarding taste, it has a mild roasted component into it, plus a mellow flavor. I felt a faint sweetness and a pleasant after taste.

I re-steeped the tea leaves using the same parameters, and the result was another excellent cup of houjicha.

In case you live in New York, Ippodo also has a store there. I want to visit it when I have a chance.