FIR Boucha, far-infrared roasted petiole houjicha, 40 g

Whoa, I was not expecting such a complex flavor bomb here. Stems have good longevity and resist turning bitter, but generally they lack the complexity that whole leaves have. This, however, is very deep and nuanced. I’m impressed – if you’re a fan of high-roast oolongs, you need to try this. This is good stuff. The flavor profile is super thick and nectar-y, with deeply warming notes of toasted grains, fresh-roasted coffee beans, warm molasses and maple syrup. The mouthfeel is expansive and buttery smooth, the soup is dense and slick. It glides across the palate, and doesn’t have any bitterness or astringency. Even as the cup cools, it remains soft and smooth. This is the perfect choice to go with dinner, or just after. It’s low in caffeine and very soothing.