Hojicha is such a unique tea. It’s aroma is used by Japanese shop owners to draw people in to browse their wares. It’s used as a wonderfully calming beverage with subtle notes and great tradition. This Hojicha from Ito En doesn’t disappoint.
| Quick Info | |
| FAB* Rating | 4/5/2 |
| Company | Ito En |
| Blend Name | Hojicha |
| Blend Base | Green |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Package Type | Pouch |
| Price per Package | $7.50 USD |
| Quantity | ~ 3 oz |
| *Flavor, Aroma, Boldness | |
Ito En is mostly known outside of Japan for their bottled ready to drink iced teas. This isn’t without merit. They make some of the finest bottled pure and flavored teas around. Their quality doesn’t go down with their loose tea. I’m super excited to have a chance to review some of their blends.
The loose material appears jagged and choppy with greenish brown hues throughout. I didn’t note any stems. Once brewed this Hojicha produces an enticing yellow-gold liquor.
The dry leaf aroma is subtle with a twiggy overtone and hints of burning leaves in Autumn. Once brewed this tea proves very aromatic, the scent literally filling the room. The aroma holds mostly fired notes like roasted leeks, but without the sweetened edges.
Hojicha has a distinct flavor profile. This is true of all Hojichas. However this Ito En Hojicha provides a bit more depth than those I’ve sampled from other brands to this point. It’s smoother without the bite, but retains some of the palate drying astringency expected. Notes of sticky rice and fired wood are hidden as undertones.
Fans of Hojicha, Genmaicha, Tie Kwan Yin or nutty teas are likely to enjoy this tea greatly.
Where can I buy some? Would Churchill’s or Essencha have it in stock?
I don’t think Essencha or Churchill’s will have Ito En’s Hojicha. But I know they both have ‘a’ Hojicha on their menu.
I have my guesses on whom they both source from, but neither one uses Ito En I don’t believe.
You can order it from Ito En NYC. Amazon.com also stock some Ito En tea. Just search for Ito En Hojicha after you logged in. I have order Ito En from both sites earlier this year. I was looking for Ito En Oi Ocha Ryokucha and didn’t find it and ended up ordering some green tea and hojicha. I did not regret it and still enjoy the taste.
I forgot to ask if anyone know where I can order Ito En Oi Ocha Ryokucha, either loose leaf or tea bags? I discovered that tea in Japan last year and would not mind to put my hand on some on this side of the Pacific.