Zairai wakoucha

This rare Japanese black tea is produced from Zairai bushes aged between 75 and 100 years, seed-grown and deeply rooted in the organic fields of Ashikita, Kumamoto. Unlike modern clonal cultivars, Zairai plants develop from seed, giving each bush its own subtle variation and resulting in a tea full of quiet strength rather than flamboyant aromas. Its character is defined not by fragrance but by body and mouthfeel. The infusion is dense and tactile, with a solid comfort that settles warmly on the tongue. A brisk, tannic bite recalls classic black teas, yet it never tips into harsh astringency. Instead, the liquor fills the mouth with a mellow, earthy depth—an ease of drinking that encourages repeated cups.  In the first infusion—especially at low temperatures—subtle notes of black grape and dark berries emerge, woven into a malty structure. As the leaves open over successive brews, the profile deepens and shifts: fruit gives way to a savory character with vegetal undertones, reminiscent