An island located in the south of Kumamoto Prefecture, Amakusa enjoys a lush, well-preserved natural environment, but the weather conditions, with the salty winds, are not ideal for tea growing. Yet, Mr. Ihara has been able to adapt to his environment to produce kama-iri chas of the very first class, rising to the top every year in the competitions.
This kama-iri cha was entered in the 2015 national competition. Its leaves are a beautiful shiny deep green, finely rolled, thick, different from traditional kama-iri chas. Their fragrance is sweet, with notes of cacao.
Infusing the leaves produces a warm scent, with aromas of sweet potato and roasted chestnuts.
In the mouth, there are peaty flavours at first, very aromatic, which express themselves before giving way to sweetness, umami, and then finally the savor of fresh vegetables, avocado, long in the mouth, which share the aftertaste with mellowness.
While competition kama-iri chas can sometimes be perplexing, this Japanese green tea has strength and character, and true characteristic kama-iri cha flavours, allied with the great purity of competition teas.
Type of tea : kama-iri cha
Origin : Sumoto Municipality, Amakusa city, Kumamoto prefecture
Cultivar : Yabukita
Shading: 7 days (direct covering)
Harvest : April 19th 2025
Brewing suggestion
Quantity of leaves: 4g / 1.2 tsp
Quantity of water : 70ml / 1/4 cup
Water temperature : 75-80°C/ 167-176°F
Brewing time : 60s