A free sample included with my order. I believe the sample is 2023 shincha.

Edited to add that I think this tea is better steeped in a basket. I went heavier than usual 4g:300mL to finish off the sample, 160F for 1min. Practically no bitterness and the aroma is like a berries and cream candy with such a soft spinach vegetal component.

Aroma of pie crust with blueberry and raspberry jam, some boiled spinach as well. It is a soft and sweet scent. Body is medium with a little fish broth umami underpinning a bright and bitter haylike taste. The berry notes of the leaf and aroma release lightly on the swallow. Very dewy sweet aftertaste comes from the back of the mouth. A few small burps taste like the aroma. This is a nice tea and moves easily but the bitterness is off balance for my taste (perhaps this can be mitigated) and there is a catch in my throat. Good for 3 steeps in a small pot.

Yamakai cultivar is certainly unique and worth a try. This one is a great introduction at only ~$0.08/g, however, shipping fees must be taken into account.

Thank you, Thés du Japon!

Flavors: Berry, Bitter, Blueberry, Bright, Cream, Fish Broth, Fruity, Hay, Jam, Mint, Pastries, Raspberry, Spinach, Sugar, Sweet, Vegetal

Preparation
160 °F / 71 °C 1 min, 0 sec 4 g 2 OZ / 70 ML

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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. Yet I persist.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, and Nepal. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possesses off flavor/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s puerh, I likely think it needs more age.

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