ほうじ茶

The deep brown color when it steeps is exactly what I wanted, and that roasted, smoky aroma fills the whole kitchen. It's smooth and toasty without any bitterness, even on a second steep.

The deep brown color of the roasted leaves makes such a comforting cup, and that smoky flavor really comes through without being bitter. I've been drinking it every evening this week as a cozy wind-down ritual.

I've been brewing this as an afternoon pick-me-up and the smoky flavor is much smoother than I expected from a roasted tea, it's comforting without being harsh. The leaves actually have a nice, rich aroma even before steeping, which is rare for green teas.