Kawanabe

Kawanabe – Black Tea

Origin: Japan

Infusion Temperature: 85°-90° Celsius

Infusion Time: 2-3 minutes

Serving Size: 1-2 grams/100 ml

Brewing Infusion Recommendations: Can be infused up to 2-3 times, revealing evolving citrus and floral notes with each steep

Kawanabe is a rare and refined example of Kocha Japanese black tea-a category still relatively unknown outside Japan but gaining attention for its elegance, innovation, and unique character. Grown in the lush, subtropical landscapes of Kagoshima Prefecture, in southern Japan, this black tea defies expectations with its delicate structure, floral-fruity aroma, and ocean-kissed complexity.

Unlike the well-known green teas of Japan-Sencha, Bancha, Gyokuro, or Matcha-Japanese black teas are crafted with a distinct approach and botanical lineage. The Benifuuki cultivar, used to produce this tea, is the result of hybridization between an Indian Darjeeling-type plant and Benihomare, a Japanese Assamica. Originally developed to bridge the gap between green and black tea profiles, Benifuuki offers bold aromatics with refined complexity-ideal for lightly oxidized Japanese black teas like Kawanabe.

Kawanabe Black Tea stands apart from traditional black teas in both oxidation level and taste profile. With a lighter oxidation than conventional black teas, this infusion is smooth and nuanced, revealing a layered bouquet of citrus, wildflowers, and soft honeyed undertones. It delivers a pleasantly mild yet aromatic once infused, with hints of Japanese yuzu a native citrus fruit intertwined with subtle marine and floral notes, reflecting its coastal terroir.

Because the tea bushes grow in proximity to the sea, the leaves absorb the surrounding maritime air, infusing the final cup with a distinctive freshness and a slightly saline finish that enhances its elegance.

Kawanabe is produced using a gentle, artisanal processing method, carefully controlling oxidation to highlight the natural sweetness and aromatics of the Benifuuki leaf. The leaves are withered, rolled, and oxidized in small batches to retain their essential oils and fragile aromatic compounds, resulting in a tea that is as expressive as it is balanced.

Kawanabe is more than a tea it represents a quiet revolution in Japanese tea culture. It introduces black tea lovers to the subtlety of Japanese terroir while offering green tea drinkers a gentle transition into the world of oxidized teas. It’s a tea that challenges convention, delights the senses, and invites exploration.

Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Kawanabe is an exceptional addition to any tea collection distinct, elegant, and undeniably Japanese.