Unique Japanese black tea by Matsumoto-san is smoked using wood from the cinnamon tree, with no flavorings or additives.
The tea’s light smokiness carries a distinct hint of cinnamon, resulting in a clear, golden caramel liquor. Its smooth and clean taste is aromatic with light smoke and spices, leaving a short, sweet aftertaste.
Out of stock
Tea Region
Tea tree
Cultivar
Harvest
Picking & processing
Shimada, Shizuoka, Japan
Camellia sinensis sinensis
Satsuma-beni
Spring, 2022
Leaves, fermented, smoked
In the heart of Shizuoka, where the Makinohara Plateau stretches under the vast Japanese sky, the Kaneroku Matsumoto tea farm stands as a testament to centuries of tradition and innovation. Established in 1870, this farm has witnessed the passage of time, preserving the art of tea cultivation across generations. It is here, amidst the rolling hills and fertile soil, that Hiroki Matsumoto, the third generation of his family to tend these lands, continues a legacy that blends reverence for the past with a bold vision for the future.
Among the farm’s many innovations, one tea stands out—a smoked black tea that has captured the attention of connoisseurs around the world. Crafted with meticulous care, this tea is smoked using wood from the cinnamon tree, infusing the leaves with a delicate, lingering smokiness that dances with the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon. No flavorings or additives are used; this is nature’s work, elevated through skilled hands and a deep understanding of the tea leaf’s potential.
This unique creation, a Silver Medal Winner at the 2014 International Tea Tasting Competition, is more than just a beverage; it is a sensory journey. The smokiness is subtle, a gentle whisper rather than a bold statement, allowing the natural cinnamon undertones to shine through, creating a cup that is both intriguing and soothing.
Dark chocolate
The bittersweet richness of dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the tea’s subtle smokiness and cinnamon notes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Smoked meats
Pairing this tea with smoked meats, such as smoked duck breast or charcuterie, complements the tea's own smoky character while adding a savory element to the tasting experience. The tea’s cinnamon hint adds a touch of warmth to the pairing.
Grilled vegetables
Grilled vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini, with a slight char, complement the tea’s woody, smoky notes. The natural sweetness of the vegetables adds a layer of complexity to the pairing.
Leaf
smoked beer, dry bark
Cup
burnt cinnamon, cloves, banya
Flavor
cinnamon, smoke, spices, honey
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)
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.
