Just like a wine label that details origin, vineyard, vintage, and grape variety, Phenimax tea labels provide comprehensive information about our Japanese teas.
Every detail, from the tea's origin to its harvest specifics, is meticulously recorded, setting us apart from the simple packaging of everyday Japanese teas.
How Does it Differ from Standard Japanese Tea Packaging?
Most Japanese green tea intended for everyday consumption features only the place of origin and the tea variety (such as sencha or hojicha) on its packaging.
This streamlined approach applies to approximately 90% of Japanese green tea sold domestically.
Phenimax’s Japanese green tea goes beyond the basics of indicating just the place of origin and the tea variety
Every label provides detailed information, including the tea plant cultivar, steaming method post-harvest, harvest year, and processing techniques.
Japan Is Home to Over 50 Distinct Tea Plant Cultivars
Each cultivar has its own unique characteristics.
Even within the same cultivar, variations in climate and soil across different regions result in distinct flavors and aromas.
Additionally, even within the same region, the flavor and aroma of tea can vary each year depending on the weather conditions.
In this regard, it is much like wine.
The steaming duration after harvest significantly influences the taste and fragrance of the tea.
For premium tea leaves that use only the finest new buds, such as those by Phenimax, the steaming time is meticulously adjusted down to the second.
The final product, whether machine-processed or crafted by hand over eight hours to create temomi-cha, differs significantly not only in flavor and aroma but also in appearance.
Stored in a refrigerated, airtight environment, Phenimax tea undergoes a maturation process similar to wine, with its flavor evolving and deepening over the years.
Some connoisseurs prefer aged tea, such as three-year or five-year varieties.
However, unlike wine, which can mature over decades, it is recommended to enjoy the tea within six years of harvest for optimal flavor.
Every year, Phenimax tea is cultivated to highlight the unique characteristics of each cultivar and expertly refined by professional Japanese tea blenders.
As a result, each year’s Phenimax Japanese tea can only be enjoyed once, offering a truly unique experience. Much like fine wine, it embodies the Japanese philosophy of ichigo ichie—a once-in-a-lifetime encounter to be savored and cherished.
