Lupicia’s collection is defined by simple flavours that exude elegance. A prime example is Lupicia Tattoo, a limited edition available only in Lupicia stores in Kyōto.
Tattoo is inspired by decorative Japanese tattooing, or irezumi, that developed into an advanced art form during the Edo period before taking on connotations of criminality in the Meiji period, and retaining a certain stigma in modern Japan despite gaining popularity amongst the youth of Japan due to Western influence. Typical images for irezumi included dragons and other mythical beasts, flowers, tigers and religious images.
The tea is a ‘bewitching green tea blend with jasmine flowers and longan fruit’.
Steeping 3 g of loose leaf in 200 mL of water at 75°C for 90 seconds, the infusion was a clear yellow-jade colour with a prominent yet pleasant smoky aroma. Upon tasting, a tropical fruitiness recalling the fresher – less smoky – flavour of longans came through ahead of gentle floral notes of jasmine with a strong vegetal green tea in the body. Finally, the smokiness of dried longans came through in the finish and lingered on the palate with jasmine undertones and a slight astringency.
Lapsang souchong can also bring out smoky dried longan flavours. It’s something I’m keen to try but for now, Tattoo is the perfect autumnal tea.
This Lupicia Tattoo contained 50 g. The tea was sourced from Japan, packaged in Japan and was purchased in Kyōto, Japan in 2015.