NEW
Floral, plum, vanilla
Oxidation: ★★★ / Intensity: ★★☆
Astringency (tannins): ★☆☆

Fuji-kaori is an “inzatsu” cultivar, an “Indian hybrid” cultivar descended from the Inzatsu 131 cultivar. Inzatsu 131 itself is a cross between a local tea tree and Manipuli 15, a variety from Assam that was brought to Japan in the 1920s. By crossing seeds from Inzatsu 131 and Yabukita, the Fuji-kaori cultivar was obtained. Fuji-kaori was produced in Shizuoka by Fujieda rather than by a research centre. Despite its origins, Fuji-kaori remains hard to find in Shizuoka—and even more so outside of the prefecture. It is incredibly surprising to find the variety from Sashima in Ibaraki Prefecture, to the northeast of Tokyo, for another reason; Fuji-kaori is a type of variety with a low tolerance to cold.

This summer black tea delivers the distinct fragrance of “inzatsu” varieties. In this case, the tea tends to be more floral, but there are also fruity green plum nuances and a hint of vanilla.
On the palate, this black tea has character and a light pleasant astringency, all while being very present. The overall sensation is reminiscent of quality Assam teas, except this tea is smoother and has notes of leather and ripe fruit. After the initial sensation, we find the more unusual aromas of “inzatsu” cultivars.
This intense black tea condenses the unique aromatic characteristics, of this rare family of Japanese cultivars. In the mouth, the experience is reminiscent of intense summer black teas that are found abroad. While Japan now excels at making very aromatic, delicate, sweet black teas, it is harder to find this more classic type of tea; a tea that is intense, powerful, and very elegantly tannic.

Type of tea : Black tea
Origin : Yamazaki, Sakai town, Sashima district, Ibaraki Prefecture
Cultivar : Fuji-kaori
Harvest : June 26th, 2025