This was the last of the sample. I could see this becoming a semi-regular tea for me.
Not only is it one of the more reasonably priced senchas of this company, but it’s mild (yet not weak) and flavorful.
It does well at different temps, is easy to brew, and would be a very good introduction (in my opinion) to Japanese greens. Thumbs up.
EDIT
Interesting!! I just found a huge connection between ATR teas and Ito-En teas!
Looks like if you’re interested in Japanese greens from ATR, Ito-en carries the same ones far cheaper! (This seems like more than coincidence… I would guess Ito-en is their supplier)
Check this out:
1) ATR’s “River of Heaven” http://www.lepalaisgourmet.com/river-of-heaven-tea.html
And Ito-en’s “Ama-no-gawa” http://www.itoen.com/leaf/index.cfm?sp=product&catID=7&id=267
2) ATR’s “Kabusecha Plum” http://www.lepalaisgourmet.com/kabusecha-plum-tea.html
and Ito-en’s “Gion” http://www.itoen.com/leaf/index.cfm?sp=product&catID=7&id=273
3) ATR’s “Lavender Sencha” http://www.lepalaisgourmet.com/lavender-sencha-tea.html
and Ito-en’s “Lavender Sencha” http://www.itoen.com/leaf/index.cfm?sp=product&catID=7&id=65
4) ATR’s “Yame Gyokuro” http://www.lepalaisgourmet.com/yame-gyokuro-tea.html
and Ito-en’s “Yame Gyokuro” http://www.itoen.com/leaf/index.cfm?sp=product&catID=3&id=12 (Ito-en is $50 cheaper for 2oz!!)
5) ATR’s “Honyama Sencha” http://www.lepalaisgourmet.com/honyama-sencha-tea.html
and Ito-en’s “Honyama Sencha” http://www.itoen.com/leaf/index.cfm?sp=product&catID=3&id=4 (Ito-en is $25 cheaper for 3 oz!!)
6) ATR’s “Earl Grey Sencha” http://www.lepalaisgourmet.com/earl-grey-sencha-tea.html
and Ito-en’s “Early Grey Sencha” http://www.itoen.com/leaf/index.cfm?sp=product&catID=7&id=66
(The descriptions are almost the same!)
7) ATR’s “Vanilla Hojicha” http://www.lepalaisgourmet.com/vanilla-hojicha-green-japanese-tea.html and Ito-en’s “Vanilla Hojicha” http://www.itoen.com/leaf/index.cfm?sp=product&catID=7&id=67
(Their Genmaicha and Genmaimatcha’s also look the same)
