Shikoku tea (4) 2024

From the remote island of Shikoku, these teas were hard to find. Unfortunately, the tea industry in Shikoku is not thriving. In fact, it's disappearing. But there are still pockets of motivated farmers fighting tooth and nail to keep their craft alive. You can follow this tea hunt on my YouTube channel.

 SENCHA SUNLIGHT

Sencha futsumushi from Sakawa, Yabukita cultivar.

Classic unshaded Yabukita sencha, very straight and bright. A style that's unfortunately old-fashioned now, with shaded sencha trending everywhere. 

 SENCHA DAWN

Sencha futsumushi from Sakawa, Yabukita cultivar.

unshaded sencha made from the sōfū cultivar, a "inzatsu" type cultivar. Strong floral aromatics linger in the mouth with notes of jasmine, wildflowers, and white grapes.

 SENCHA WHISPERS

Sencha futsumushi from Niyodogawa, Yabukita cultivar.

Very pleasant sencha from a small cooperative of farmers (8 families) in Ikegawa on Shikoku island. This is the type of project I'd support any day all day.

 KABUSECHA PRAYERS

Kabusecha futsumushi from Niyodogawa, Yabukita cultivar.

Superb profile, full aromas with a lighter taste, rather sweet than bitter or astringent. Delicate umami to round things up.