Jiro Katahira is one of the most revered producers working in Shizuoka today, having developed a reputation for meticulous farm management and an approach to processing that results in highly expressive teas with incredible fidelity. Working almost exclusively with single cultivar teas, Karahira-san focuses on lightly steamed expressions that put the natural flavors of the tea plant and the terroir of his land in full focus. In addition to yielding some of our favorite sencha, this approach creates the perfect canvas for houjicha. Roasting finished teas of this quality is rare, but it's the sort of opportunity that our Roast Club was designed for. This special offering was crafted exclusively from Kurasawa, a rare cultivar that was developed in Shizuoka in the 1960’s. A floral and complex profile of maple, dandelion and clove blooms in the cup post roast, yielding one of the most aromatic experiences yet.