Japan Genmaicha Yamasaki - green tea

STORY: this is a specialty Japanese style green tea (normally a high grade of Japan Sencha) that is blended with fire-toasted rice. The fresh vegetative character of the green tea is imparted on the cup but it is tempered with the bakey-like character of the rice. There is a natural sweetness and almost chewy character to the finish of this tea. During the firing of the rice, it is not uncommon for rice to 'pop' not unlike popcorn, hence the pet name 'popcorn-tea'.