Sencha Special Grade Yamato (TJ16)

I got this sample from KiwiDelight. I’m not really going to go into the dry leaf, because I think most of us know what dry sencha looks and smells like (at least, anyone who reads my notes will know by now). Steeped for 1 minute as per usual.

The aroma is pretty standard but still nice – a mixture of spinach and alfalfa with a buttery edge. Tasting this, I assumed that this was a heavily steamed variety because it has more intense flavors. However, it’s actually because it’s not harvested until autumn (I don’t know how steamed it is, it didn’t say). It’s a nice balance between the intense and sweet flavors of gyokuro and the more savory flavor of sencha. I get notes of spinach, zucchini, and butter with a little touch of savory seaweed. Overall, quite tasty and I would definitely drink it again. :)

a nice moderate sencha :) with medium grassy/veggie taste :P

This sencha is ‘clean and green’ in flavor. I moistened it with cool water before steeping, as a buffer against my predictable lack of care in regard to water temp. I poured hot water and decanted after 30 seconds, yielding a pale green liquor which was only slightly bitter, with enough flavor to be worthwhile. I like spinach, which is fortunate when it comes to green tea. The resteep was also 30 sec, with almost no bitterness and more asparagus. Still, this is more exercise than enjoyment for me, as I continue my attempt to appreciate these fussy steepers. I kept wishing it were a white instead. I may never be big on greens, but this one has made it into my ‘okay’ category. It helps if I’m in a monkish, less self-indulgent mood and remind myself of it’s healthfulness.

I’m admittedly a fan of bold Japanese green teas. I like that uncompromising grassy taste that drives most others away. This Sencha in particular is able to announce it’s vegetal presence on the palate, linger long enough to let one ponder its’ nuance, and then depart with a clean aftertaste. I enjoy this tea at the workplace or for introspection.

Of course, if you don’t – like – your tea grassy and raw, then by all means stay away. Unarguably an acquired taste.

Meh

I am a big fan of all green teas, including Japanese green teas, which I am always told taste like grass and are not very good. While there certainly is a very distinct spinachy, grassy taste to most japanese greens, I think the flavor is so much more complex than others give credit. This tea is very good and tasty.