Unique black tea smoked using wood from Japanese whisky barrels. The tea offers a smooth balance of light smokiness, with notes of oak, smoked salmon, and ripe plum. Its rich, layered flavors make it perfect for pairing with dark chocolate, smoked cheeses, and roasted almonds. Crafted in Shimada, Shizuoka, this tea reflects the innovation and artistry of Hiroki Matsumoto, providing a bold yet refined tea experience.
Whisky Barrel smoked black tea
TASTING NOTES: plum, roasted chestnut, malt, smoked caramel, dark chocolate
Tea Region
Tea tree
Cultivar
Harvest
Picking & processing
Shimada, Shizuoka, Japan
Camellia sinensis sinensis
Satsuma-beni
Spring, 2022
Leaves, fermented, smoked
High in the hills of Shimada, Shizuoka, Matsumoto-san at Kaneroku Matsumoto Tea Garden crafts an exceptional Whiskey Barrel Wood Smoked Black Tea.
Surrounded by rich tea culture, Matsumoto-san takes a bold approach by infusing his teas with a unique twist, steering away from conventional methods. Using wood from whisky barrels sourced from the award-winning Ichiro Distillery, this black tea delivers a light, nuanced smokiness that distinguishes it from the stronger lapsang varieties.
It offers an earthy, rich flavor profile, enveloped in a subtle sweetness that lingers through multiple steeps. The tea is naturally produced without any flavorings or additives, embodying Matsumoto-san’s dedication to purity and craftsmanship. This tea is a unique experience for those seeking a balance between smoke and delicacy.
Dark chocolate truffles
The tea’s smokiness pairs beautifully with the richness of dark chocolate, while its plum undertones highlight the sweetness of the truffles.
Smoked gouda
The smoky, earthy profile of the tea mirrors the intense, savory flavor of smoked gouda, enhancing the overall experience.
Grilled Mushrooms
The earthy umami of grilled mushrooms, combined with the tea’s smoky character, creates a rich and savory pairing.
Plum Tart
A plum tart with an almond crust brings out the tea’s fruity and nutty flavors, adding a satisfying sweetness to the experience.
Tea character
Leaf
oak, smoked salmon, ripe plum
Cup
warm wood, toasted nuts, dried fruit
Flavor
plum, roasted chestnut, malt, smoked caramel, dark chocolate
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How to brew
Temperature
Tea weight
Water amount
Steeping time
90°C
4 gram
100ml
5-10 sec (add 5 sec per steep for at least 6 steeps)
Temperature
Tea weight
Water amount
Steeping time
90 °C
4 gram
500ml
1 min+ (you can resteep 2-3 times)
What teaware to use
About Kaneroku Matsumoto
At Kaneroku Matsumoto tea farm, the commitment to sustainable farming is as integral as the tea itself. The farm employs a “Traditional tea-grass integrated tea culture,” a method recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
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