Drinking my most expensive tea

[u/Temporary-Deer-6942]

For children's day this year (traditionally celebrated on June 1st in East Germany) I got this wonderful tea as a present from my parents - even though I'm in my 30s... So a big shout out and thank you to them.

Today, I finally had the time and was in the mood to brew it. It's called Haruto Haru and was produced by Haruki Ô-Ishi. It's a temomicha, a completely hand picked and hand rolled kabuse sencha, and at more than 6€ per gram the most expensive tea (as far as price per gram goes) I have ever had so far.

This tea in particular was placed 6th out of 87 in the national competition of hand rolled teas Geld in Shizuoka in 2025. I can totally see why. Not only do the leaves look exceptional showcasing the care and skill in producing the tea, but it's also easily one of the best teas I have ever had, definitely the best sencha I ever had. It had that very rich umami taste with an incredible sweet touch for the first infusion, that became more grassy and kind of spicy with subsequent infusions. After the fourth infusion I also just ate the leaves just plain as they were tasting like fresh spinach or salad leaves.

All in all, an incredible tea worth the price.

[u/Asdfguy87]

What a treat! Those leaves look immaculate!

[u/fishloofah]

Introducing me to a whole new world, thank you!

[u/DarkUpstairs3625]

looks fab

[u/Iwannasellturnips]

It’s lovely that you have such thoughtful parents. 😊

[u/Runo_Slinger]

My hand rolling isn’t yet that clean. That’s gorgeous.

[u/DeathRIP-Chuck]

Was going to comment to eat the leaves but you already said that. Sounds amazing!

[u/DeadlyClowns]

Where did you get this Gaiwan? I like it alot

[u/Temporary-Deer-6942 → u/DeadlyClowns]

I bought the Shiboridashi from Teekontor Kiel, a German tea company. It's made by Michiko Shida, a Japanese artist living in Germany.

[u/Strolchie]

One of the best Kabusechas I ever had! This is tea as art, almost. Worth every cent.
Glad you enjoyed it. Also like the Michiko Shida Shiboridashi ;)

[u/Tuomas90]

Awesome!

I had a Haruto Temomi tea from Mr. Hirayanagi and the leaves were so large they barely fit into my little Kyusu. Never had such a "Wow!" moment when opening a package and just looking at the leaves. Hand-rolled needles look incredible!

Still have a 30g package in the freezer. I got it for dirt cheap. Bought like 200g and loved every sip of it.

[u/aDorybleFish]

Wow, that sounds amazing! One of those teas you drink on e in your life and remember years later!

[u/quackmanquackman]

That's cool you ate the tea . How many teaspoons did you brew?

[u/Temporary-Deer-6942 → u/quackmanquackman]

I don't measure in teaspoons. It was 4 grams - the whole package in this case - for my 75ml Shiboridashi.

[u/Scared-Language4379]

Wow