Zairai wakocha

This rare Japanese black tea is produced from Zairai bushes aged between 75 and 100 years, seed-grown and deeply rooted in the organic fields of Ashikita, Kumamoto. Unlike modern clonal cultivars, Zairai plants develop from seed, giving each bush its own subtle variation and resulting in a tea full of quiet strength rather than flamboyant aromas.

Its character is defined not by fragrance but by body and mouthfeel. The infusion is dense and tactile, with a solid comfort that settles warmly on the tongue. A brisk, tannic bite recalls classic black teas, yet it never tips into harsh astringency. Instead, the liquor fills the mouth with a mellow, earthy depth—an ease of drinking that encourages repeated cups. Some may even detect in the background a savory, vegetable-like nuance, reminiscent of ratatouille.

Choose this tea when you seek not primarily aroma, but grounding and presence. It is an excellent everyday companion: unpretentious, enduring, and deeply satisfying. Served plain, it reveals its clean and robust side, while its natural texture also makes it an excellent partner for food.

If you are instead looking for more fragrance-driven Japanese black tea, we recommend our Benifuuki Wakocha, which offers pronounced aromatic notes. By contrast, Zairai provides a mellower experience, where body takes precedence over aroma.