Made from 100% first flush leaf and stem from Shiga, Hatsuha Houjicha offers a beautiful regional snapshot of high-quality roasted tea from one of Japan’s top tea blenders, Yasuharu Maeno. This Houjicha is deeply fragrant, with notes of toasted hardwood, vanilla pod, and cracked sugar reminiscent of a well-caramelized crème brûlée. A delicate thread of umami runs through the center of the cup, amplifying both the savory and sweet tones that emerge from the roast. Balancing sophistication with approachability, Hatsuha Houjicha is among the most satisfying houjicha that we have come across in recent years, and we are thrilled to add it as a core offering in the Kettl catalog.