Among the most special teas we have featured in our house-roasted houjicha program, this tea comes from Tsuguto Hattori and his Yabukita fields in Higashiyoshino, Nara. Hattori-san is a computer programmer by trade, but tends to reclaimed Yabukita plantations from which he produces some of the rarest, most expressive teas coming out of Japan today, including the elusive Silver Needle style. The base of this tea is made from the mature, late-season leaves from those trees, ensuring there is no waste in his passionate practice. A moderate roast results in a sweet and fragrant houjicha that comforts and intrigues in equal measure.