The color of the tea liquid is pretty. There are a few seeds mixed in with the leaf. You will taste what you smell in the wet leaf, which is a good thing here. I bet those who like smoother, blended whiskeys would enjoy this old, complex but rounded out shou with a subtle, sweet aftertaste. If Santa visited, you’d offer him milk and cookies. If Zatoichi visited, maybe you’d see if he’d like some of this even if he is usually more of a hojicha drinker. The wet leaf scent will make you feel like you are taking a wonderful hot spring bath in a very safe, secluded forest. I can see how others taste smoky mushroom or moss or nuts or leather or books. It is a nice gentlemanly older shou that will please most people. I prefer teas with more energy, but mugs of this would be an excellent choice to carry you through an interminable formal event.
Flavors: Caramel, Hay, Wet Wood
