The roast of this black tea gracefully hits all the low notes. Charming and rugged, it delivers a comfortably smooth cup with an earthy, barley, cocoa character.

Produced in the spring of 2025 by Fumiki Kawaguchi in Sayama town of Saitama prefecture.  It’s a blend that primarily features the Benifuki cultivar – Japan’s most famous black tea cultivar known for its depth of body and strong floral character. Hojicha (which means roasted tea) is rarely made from black tea. Mr. Kawaguchi is a master of his craft and consistently produces top-notch tea.

For another tea featuring the Benifuki cultivar, check out Ceylon Peacock Feather.

For more killer teas from Mr. Kawaguchi, check out Sencha Nightingale, Origami Hojicha, Cascading Hills Sencha.

Ingredients: black tea

Steeping Instructions

3 grams | 10-12 oz water | 212°F | Steep 3 min. 

Kyusu Teapot Instructions

1st Steep - 8 grams | 8 oz water | 212°F | Steep 60 seconds

2nd Steep - 8 grams | 8 oz water | 212°F | Steep 30 seconds

Number of Cups

2 oz makes 19 cups, 4 oz makes 38 cups