Shoyeido – Overtones – Tea Leaves

At the beginning of the year (2025), I bought five of the seven Overtones varieties second-hand, including Tea Leaves. The previous owner had sorted through his collection, which had grown too large, and parted with these, among others.

Here’s my overview of the Overtones line.

Ingredients: Sandalwood, Tea Leaves, Benzoin

I was particularly curious about the Tea Leaves variety. Until now, I only knew the Green Tea interpretation out of Nippon Kodo‘s Morning Star line, which is known for using synthetic fragrances, and I had hoped to find a possibly higher-quality, natural version in Tea Leaves.

I do detect a hint of leafy green in the scent, but for the most part, I smell the creamy-sweet and woody standard Shoyeido scent. Perhaps not too far off from Hoyei-koh, just simpler.

Burning these sticks feels like being served green tea with sugar and cream.
Shoyeido, why!?!