GUEST TEA Azuma Wakoucha - Loose Leaf

I keep going back for another cup as soon as the pot's empty—the smoothness from those Samidori and Asahi leaves is just right. Even letting it steep a little longer than I usually would didn't bring out any harsh bite, just that gently brisk character the description promises.

The lack of astringency is what won me over—it's smooth enough for an afternoon cup without that sharp bite. The loose leaf unfurls beautifully and the blend of Samidori and Asahi gives it a gentle briskness that keeps me coming back.

The briskness is exactly what I hoped for—it wakes up my afternoon without that sharp bite that puts me off other blacks. I've been brewing it a bit cooler and letting it sit, and the balance between the two cultivars comes through beautifully.