This reminded me of Hong Yue/Ruby Black (oolong-like black tea from Taiwan… both Rishi Tea and ATR carry it), but with very small leaves and some dust.
But the flavor was similar; instead of a malty, astringent, strong black tea, this was fruity, but more like the fruity flavor of certain green teas, rather than that buttery oolong fruity flavor. If that makes any sense.
I did even detect some taste in there that definitely reminded me of Sencha. I can’t put my finger on what that flavor was, because it was suddenly there and tasted really good, but disappaited quickly. But it definitely showed that this was related to Japanese greens, rather than other kinds of black tea. If there was more of that elusive, sweet-like flavor, this would be awesome.
As is, I think I like it almost as much as the Hong Yue, it just gets negative points for not being as beautiful a leaf (having a lot of smaller pieces and powder, after all).
Is this a kocha?
No, it’s some larger leaves mixed with a lot of smaller bits of leaf and some dust. (By kocha, you mean formed tea, like a powder that looks like leaves, right?)
@Shinobicha – No, I mean the rare Japanese black tea oxidized from green tea varietals.
Oh – well, then, I apologize for speaking, since I don’t know the word “kocha” (I assumed you meant “koicha”)
Oh, no worries! I just learned of its existence, like, three months ago. I only know of one vendor at the moment that has it and was wondering if this was the same. And, yeah, “koicha” is the thick matcha grade, if I’m not mistaken…but do feel free to correct me. I are novice.
Haha, you are right, koicha is thick matcha. I am thinking of some other word that I can’t remember, but it means ‘formed tea’ in Japanese.