I thought I had been given the wrong tea after my first brew. This is not like any green tea I’ve ever had and I thought I was drinking a black tea like Lapsang Souchong.
From the look and texture of the tea before brewing, it reminded me of old cedar mulch and that impression stayed with me throughout the tasting. Very strong, very earthy and not for the timid.
Personally, I like Lapsang Souchong and Puerh teas, but I found I could not finish a cup of this tea.
I find this to be a cross between Gen Mai Cha and Lapsang Souchong because of it’s strength. Houjicha and Gen Mai Cha are the only green teas I’ve enountered that I don’t like.