This is the Hōjicha Latte ($8.00; iced, less sugar) from Ouji.

The beverage presented with an opaque deep brown-khaki hue, topped with a fine layer of foam from being hand-whisked to order. Aroma opened with rich notes of dark-roasted hōjicha.

Initial contact delivered immediate flavours of deeply roasted hōjicha accompanied by a mellow sweetness, supported by the regular milk base. The mouthfeel, however, was noticeably lighter than expected, particularly when compared with the fuller texture often associated with a2 milk-based beverages. The restrained dairy character allowed the hōjicha to remain firmly at the forefront of the profile. Through the mid-palate, the fine hōjicha powder became perceptible as the liquid receded, leaving a light coating across the palate. Rather than introducing bitterness or chalkiness, this sediment reinforced the roasted character and contributed additional depth to the tea profile. Towards the finish, the lighter body gave way to a clean and uncluttered conclusion, with the roasted notes persisting gently before fading.

The quality of the hōjicha itself was evident throughout, displaying both depth and clarity of roast. A higher level of sweetness may have further amplified the tea’s aromatic qualities while also creating a greater sense of body and richness, as the relatively thin texture ultimately limited the drink’s overall impact.

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Overall, a hōjicha latte with a layered flavour progression and moderate texture integration, resulting in a tea-driven presentation that highlights the quality of the hōjicha but is somewhat constrained by its light body.

This Hōjicha Latte was purchased from Ouji in Sydney, Australia in June 2026.