Description First harvest 2026 Harvested in Yame in April 2026, CHIKAMI is a limited single-cultivar koucha produced exclusively from organically grown Yabukita tea leaves. Naturally rich in catechins, this black tea highlights the versatility of Japan's most widely cultivated tea variety through a slow and carefully controlled oxidation. While sharing the elegant sweetness that made our previous limited koucha, CHISAKO, so memorable, CHIKAMI reveals a bolder and more contemplative profile. Notes of honey and ripe peach remain at its heart, now complemented by warm spices, gentle earthiness, and delicate hints of wood and tobacco in place of CHISAKO's brighter fruity nuances. Round and silky the finishing adds a subtle touch of nutmeg that lingers gracefully on the palate. In the cup, the liquor is bright and transparent with a warm amber hue reminiscent of light caramel. We recommend brewing it in a clear glass cup to fully appreciate its colour as it unfolds alongside its layered aroma. CHIKAMI is a delight both hot and chilled, served over ice on its own or for a delicious mocktail. Harashima san's koucha originates from tea leaves cultivated in the Yame mountains at 500 meters elevation, where cool mountain air and mineral-rich soil develop the tea's distinctive character. Each year, the master producer creates limited experimental batches, yielding only a handful of kilograms of each release. This represents a rare opportunity to experience a small-batch, artisanal koucha crafted with precision and care. IKKYU is honored to share Harashima san's work with Japanese koucha enthusiasts worldwide. We hope you will enjoy this tea as much as we did so that we may ask Harashima san to make it again next year !
WASHI WRAPPED 30g (1.05oz), PLAIN BAG 30g (1.05oz)