One of the most unique and stunning teas we have come across from a vanguard producer in Japanese tea production, Yoshiaki Hiruma. After harvest, the tea leaves undergo a controlled wilting process using ultraviolet light—a system Hiruma-san designed himself—before being pan-fired to halt oxidation. This unique process imbues the tea with a rich, pronounced chocolatey note, a complex fruitiness, and an umami that just keeps going. It is a supreme honor to share the teas of Yoshiaki Hiruma with a wider audience, and this selection may be the best representation of his unique vision, peerless execution, and breathtaking results.
