NEW [Grown without pesticide]
Shôyu, old leather
Umami★☆☆☆ / Astringency★★☆☆
Body★★★☆ / Firing★★★☆

Mamihara, in the town of Yamato in Kumamoto Prefecture at 600 m (1970 feet) in altitude, is a kama-iri cha production area. This is unsurprising. Yamato is right on the border of Miyazaki Prefecture, Takachiho and Gokase, all important regions for kama-iri. This kama-iri cha is made from very young leaves of the rare Tamamidori cultivar. Tamamidori is a variety intended for kama-iri cha; it was selected from tea trees indigenous to Uji and is one of the original 15 cultivars that were officially registered in 1953.
The Japanese kama-iri cha’s typical fragrances are very apparent in this tea. The very rich fragrances are of grilled sweet potato, dry tomatoes and katsuobushi, but there is also a hint of leather and a touch of sweetness.
The same feeling in the nose reappears on the palate. The infusion is very fluid and refreshing even with the empyreumatic quality of its aromas. Without umami, this tea is rather sweet, yet very subtly tannic.
In subsequent infusions, kama-iri cha’s typical aromas are always very present. Furthermore, musky floral nuances appear, which are then followed by vegetal nuances evoking pine needles.
This is a superb kama-iri cha with rich, classic aromas.

Type of tea: Kama-iri cha
Origin: Mamihara area, Yamato town, Kumamoto Prefecture
Cultivar: Tamamidori
Harvest: May 23th, 2025