as a gradually cross the 2011 teas off my list, I am now finally getting to this year’s genmaicha. i have not had this tea in a long time so it’s hard to remember what last years tasted like in comparison. this year’s has very stale popcorny taste right away, much more than i remember. after the popcorn, the toastyness really comes through. it’s a smooth transition with the underlying tea providing the perfect bridge. the tea itself is not the best, maybe a second harvest sencha or even a bancha. i wonder if tea will take over after three or four infusions…
