Tamba Roasted Black Bean

丹波黒豆茶

Roasted On
February 2026

Origin
Kumamoto, Japan

Odagaki Shōten is located directly in Tamba Sasayama, a historic agricultural region in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan. This 300 year old company is widely credited for Tamba black bean’s popularity throughout Japan. 

To this day, they work directly with regional growers. Their black bean tea is hand sorted and net-roasted over direct flame with far-infrared heat; a very old technique that produces a clean, crisp taste with a deep roasted aroma.

What makes Tamba Black different from other black soybeans is primarily time: a standard black soybean matures in about 70 days, whereas Tamba Black takes about 100. Longer maturation time means that the beans absorb more nutrients, grow larger, and develop a richer, sweeter, more full-bodied flavour. 

We are honoured to be the first shop outside of Japan to carry products from Odagaki Shōten. After agreeing to work with us they spent 6 months preparing a special batch of black bean tea for Cultivate. The first batch we received is only 12 kg, so it will certainly be treasured. 

In a final stage of crafting this tea Odagaki Shōten breaks the beans apart into pieces that are the perfect size for brewing, so the tea itself looks a bit like crumbled cacao. It brews a cloudy liquor that slowly turns plum colour as the pieces of bean settle in the carafe. The smell and taste of the strained liquor is incredible, and somewhat unexpected – like coffee, but without any acidity. It has a broth-like mouthfeel and a sharp, sweet finish. 

This delicious, caffeine free tea can be enjoyed hot or chilled. Enjoy it knowing that it has many health benefits, and is considered a beauty tonic in Japan. It is very comforting to drink in the evening, after dinner, and you will not have to worry about it affecting your sleep.

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Brewing guide