Čaj Genmaicha

I wasn't expecting the toasted rice to come through so clearly, it gives the sencha a warm nutty flavor that makes it feel like a treat without any sweetness. Steeping it for about two minutes was plenty. Cozy is honestly the right word for this one.

The popped rice actually floats up through the sencha, so every sip feels a little different depending on how much you catch. I've been drinking this every afternoon instead of coffee and it's oddly calming without being heavy.

The toasted rice gives it this nutty, almost popcorn-like smell the second you open the bag. I've been drinking it every afternoon instead of coffee and the sencha base stays smooth, never bitter, even when I forget and let it steep too long. Genuinely the coziest cup I've had in a while.