Lupicia Karakoro is one of two teas – the other being Tattoo – that are available only in Kyōto, being a black tea flavoured with yuzu and plum inspired by the apprentice geisha or maiko of the ancient capital.
The loose leaf is a blend of black tea with flavoured sugar crystals, heath flowers and toasted rice.
Steeping 3 g in 200 mL of just boiled water for 3 minutes, the infusion was a clear dark amber colour with the smell of yuzu. Served hot, a subtle yuzu flavour at the head of each sip developed with the sweet tartness of fragrant Japanese plums in the body with the malty notes of the black tea building in boldness towards the finish. The flavour of plum is very distinct and comparable to that in umeshu and other plum flavoured alcohol like chu-hai – only more palatable as it’s without the sharpness of the alcohol — and makes it one of the most elegant, yet refreshing, black teas. An astringency that recalled the puckering from an unripe plum and a hint of cirtrus linger in the aftertaste.
This Lupicia Karakoro contained 50 g. The tea was sourced from India and Vietnam, packaged in Japan and purchased in Kyōto, Japan in 2015.