This is a silky, smoky tea to gently awaken your tastebuds. I had some leftover in my teapot the following day, drank it cold, and it was still excellent!

This was my first experience with Hojicha. My initial reaction after brewing it at 1/2 strength was not favorable because it smelled and tasted like coffee. There was a very strong roasted smell and flavor and honestly I didn't like it. Now that I have dialed in the way I brew it and have made several batches hot and cold I have found the setup I really enjoy.

Brew 1 - Steep 30 seconds with boiling water. Add 1 teaspoon of honey. Pour over a glass filled with ice.
Brew 2 - Steep 60 seconds with boiling water. Add 1 teaspoon of honey. Pour over a glass filled with ice.
Brew 3 - Steep 120+ seconds with boiling water. Drink hot.

A professor once reminisced about passing by the main store in Kyoto and smelling the aromas of the hojicha and when I got him a bag he cried. Ippodo’s smoky but earthy and comforting aromas remind me Kyoto in the fall.

My family is so happy discovering thus Hojicha so familiar fervor and test when I was in Japan.

This is the kind of tea to drink after a meal at night when it’s cold outside - it won’t keep you up! Wonderful roasted aroma, light and refreshing.