Ripe berries, camphor
Oxidation: ★★★ / Intensity: ★★☆
Astringency (tannins): ★★☆

Located to the northeast of Tokyo in Ibaraki Prefecture, Sashima is a small tea production region that is relatively unknown. However, there are many talented and dynamic tea producers who operate in this region. And some of these producers make very high-quality black teas.
What immediately comes to mind when the topic of black tea in Japan is discussed is Benifûki, the most recent and widespread Japanese black tea. But Beni-hikari, which was registered in 1969 and in a context that prevented it from knowing success, is a first-rate cultivar that deserves greater visibility. The crosses that ultimately produced Beni-hikari gives it Indian, Chinese, and Japanese roots.
This summer tea from Sashima delivers the fragrant characteristics of the Benihikari cultivar, with its camphor notes and cinnamon nuances.
On the palate, the tannins remain, but are subtle and discreet. There are camphor and menthol aromas, which are sure to please the excellent cultivar that is Benihikari. As this sensation persists, it gains berry nuances.
This black tea from Sashima is both a classic and very elegant example of a summer Benihikari.

Type of tea : Black tea
Origin : Sakai town, Sashima district, Ibaraki　Prefecture
Cultivar : Benihikari
Harvest : July 12th, 2024