Ocha & Co's Benifuuki black tea

This is a one of a kind cultivar that comes vacuum sealed with all the usual Ocha & Co. quality hallmarks. If you are used to the typical harshness of standard black teas, this is a completely different experience.

The Brew: As you can see from the photo, it brews into a stunning clear ruby colour. I brewed this at the recommended 95C for 1-2 minutes. The trick is to let it cool down a little bit before drinking so you can really get the full complexity.

The Taste: The sip is smooth and hits you with an immediate floral and fruity sweetness, grounded by a very subtle, Assam-like maltiness in the background. The aftertaste (hui gan) leaves a warm, sweet potato and honey-like sensation that lingers pleasantly.

Verdict: At £18 for 100g, this is a really reasonable deal for such a unique organic tea. It’s not my daily driver, but perfect for something different. 5 stars.