Another unique Japanese green from Cameron’s stash.
Brewed this one at work today. I’m pretty sure this is a kabusecha, which is a partially shade grown tea that has a flavor profile halfway between gyokuro and sencha. It’s not my favorite kind of Japanese green but this one had a complex and evolving flavor that made for an interesting session.
The flavor of this tea is savory and saline, like ocean air. Beautiful long strands that turn bright green when infused. I ended up steeping the entire 5g packet, which is double my normal leaf quantity and yet it had no trace of bitterness. The first steep was brothy and kelp like with a pronounced saltiness. Reminds me of a sea breeze or pickled umeboshi. The saltiness fades a little in the second cup which has savory notes of wakame seaweed, radicchio, and an echo of umami in the aftertaste. Third infusion shifted to a vegetal taste of cruciferous vegetables and earthy notes of grass.
Flavors: Broccoli, Broth, Lettuce, Marine, Ocean Air, Salty, Seaweed, Umami
You’re correct, this is a kabuse sencha. And I love umeboshi! :P