









I live about 150 miles north of St. James Parish in Louisiana, where Perique tobacco is grown and processed. I am also situated on alluvial delta soil, so I figure I may as well give growing some tobacco a try.
I would like to grow tobacco that is already known to thrive in this area, but I'm not sure where to get seeds as of yet. I figure rather than roll the dice on a Google search, I would ask people who are actually growing it currently.
I finally had a quiet day that would allow me to fully be present and enjoy this year's Shincha Temomi. I feel this tea deserves one to be able to truly spend a moment with it and enjoy the flavor it brings to the table.
Examining the pristine, hand-rolled needles and watching them slowly awaken in the kyusu is a direct testament to centuries of masterful skill. The physical effort, patience, and dedication required to produce tea of this caliber cannot be overstated. The vibrant liquor in the cup is the true reward of that painstaking labor.
Congratulations to Sugimoto Tea on celebrating 80 remarkable years. Their milestone embraces the mizuhiki knot, which represents "En", the invisible connections linking the farmers, the artisans, and those of us who appreciate the final pour. The new packaging reflects this gratitude and connection perfectly.
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering consistency of this craft and the hard work that goes into every harvest. Thank you to the Sugimoto family and all the hands that bring this tea to life. I hope to enjoy Shincha and Sencha for many more years to come.