Tasting Profile
Nose. IBUKI describes a vibrant, gorgeous aroma at the top note. In a July 2023 post, IBUKI described the fragrance as mellow and honey-like.[3],[4]
Palate. A pleasant sweetness spreads immediately in the mouth, over a body IBUKI describes as soft yet full-bodied, or soft but shaped. The tea is described as having layers of umami and sweetness, with sweetness lingering on the tongue to the last sip. IBUKI says it shows little of the distinctive tartness associated with brewing black tea at high temperature. In a September 2023 interview, its vibrant aroma and the sweetness that lingers distinctly on the tongue were described as unusual for a black tea. A July 2023 IBUKI post noted rich sweetness and a soft mouthfeel.[3],[4],[5],[6]
Structure. Structural points as described by IBUKI and in a September 2023 interview:[3],[5],[6]
- Sweetness: pleasant, spreading immediately, lingering on the tongue
- Acidity: little of the tartness associated with high-temperature black tea brewing
- Body: soft yet full-bodied
- Complexity: layers of umami and sweetness
- Length: sweetness lingering to the last sip
Pairings
IBUKI pairs NIROKU with both Japanese and Western sweets.[7]
Composition & Vinification
Izumi Tea Leaves -- Aroma and Sweetness. NIROKU is made with the Izumi tea variety, grown in Maruko, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, from the 2026 harvest. IBUKI describes Izumi as a rare variety grown by only a handful of producers in Japan. According to IBUKI, the Izumi leaves develop a strong aroma during withering and fermentation, giving the tea a robust flavor and subtle sweetness.[1],[3]
Provenance & Sourcing
Specifications. Classification as stated by IBUKI:[1]
- Category: Japanese-style black tea (wakocha) type bottled tea
- Alcohol: non-alcoholic bottled beverage
Production. IBUKI is based in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It states that it produces all of its bottled tea in its own FSSC 22000-certified factory.
Ingredients Policy. IBUKI states that its bottled teas are made without additives, using only water and tea leaves.
Production Philosophy
NIROKU is a Japanese black tea (wakocha) bottled by IBUKI. IBUKI says it designs NIROKU's extraction to maximize the sweetness and aroma of the tea. According to IBUKI, this extraction yields a soft body and a sweetness that lingers on the tongue.[1],[2]
Name. The bottle is named after its tea producer, Niroku Muramatsu. IBUKI describes him as a pioneer of Japanese black tea and the first to produce the black-tea variety Benifuuki.[1]
Service
Temperature. For its bottled teas generally, IBUKI recommends serving cold, warming the glass slightly in the hand to release aroma.
Shelf Life. NIROKU has a shelf life of within 3 months. IBUKI states that its products must be kept refrigerated and consumed as soon as possible after opening.[7]