This tea is called Wakoucha Mariko. Wa means "Japan" and koucha means "red tea" in Japanese. Though, in the West, we might called this a black tea, in Japan black tea is called "red tea" because of its color. Hence the name, "koucha".
This wakoucha is produced in the Mariko area in Shizuoka where Japanese black tea history and production began over 100 years ago. While Wakoucha Mariko is not only rare, it also has an elegant flavor that many black teas produced in other countries don't have. It is good as a straight tea or with milk.
Origin: Mariko, Shizuoka
Harvest: First Flush
Species: Benifuki
Tasting Profile:
Elegant and calm, mild bodied, very fragrant and smooth
Den's Preferred Brewing:
Leaf-water ratio: 2-3 g (~1 tsp)/4oz
Water: Boiled; Steep: 3 min.
2nd Steep Water: Boiled; Steep 1.5 min