213 Tasting Notes
The only gyokuro sample I got in this order. I wanted to try a different company’s gyokuro, and an affordable one ($0.30/g) to see how it compares to more expensive versions.
A pretty great option for the price! I think the flavor is super well balanced and that’s the main strength of this gyokuro. The intensity is pretty high, but not extreme. Zero bitterness or astringency. Aftertaste lingers for probably 10 minutes at least, which is WILD. Somewhat energizing, but not a whole lot compared to other gyokuros I’ve tried.
Harvest: May, 2024
Location: Kyotanabe, Kyoto
Flavors: Seaweed, Spinach, Umami
Preparation
First time trying a hojicha powder, and only the second hojicha I’ve ever had. At least for now, it is not to my liking. I tried it in an almond milk latte, and I feel the flavor of the powder is too overpowering and a bit off putting honestly. However, I plan to experiment with real milk (didn’t have any at the time) and changing the ratio of milk to powder to see if I can make a latte that I enjoy.
However, I doubt I will be able to come up with something that I love, so I am going to say I prefer whole hojicha to the powdered form for now. I am open to trying other brands in the future to see if my mind is changed.
EDIT: Have now tried it with real milk. Made the latte as such: 3 g of powder stirred in 40 mL of 150 F water (less than the 4 g I tried last time), then added to 250 mL of milk heated to frothing temp and then cooled to 150. This is much less intense and much better. I think this ratio and the whole milk are a better combination. Still not may favorite thing, but it’s not bad! Updating my rating from 40 to 70. And only $0.20/g.
Location: Yabe Village, Yame District, Fukuoka
Elevation: 600 m
Flavors: Chocolate, Nutty, Roasted
A bit disappointed in this sample. Has a bit of an off note that is somewhat bitter, but not just bitter. Hard to describe, but even at 140 F, it did not feel as mellow and soothing as it should have.
Harvest: May 2024
Location: Yabemura Village, Yame, Fukuoka
Elevation: 300-700 m
Flavors: Bitter, Grass, Umami
A very nice sencha from Kurihara. While the website says this leans towards fukamushi, I think it’s actually the opposite. This is so subtle in flavor (at 140 F at least), that it tastes much more like an asamushi. It’s the lightest Kurihara tea I’ve had I think. In fact, it’s so light as to be a detriment; the flavor falls off a cliff after steep 2. I will try a more “typical” brew at 156 next time. This is also, I believe, the first Ooiwase I have tried.
Nice medium sweetness. No bitterness or astringency.
Harvest: May
Region: Yabemura village, Yame, Fukuoka
Elevation: 300-700 m
Notes: Regular steaming (40-50 seconds) used but leaves are young and delicate so the results is close to a deep steaming (fukamushi)
Flavors: Grass, Sweet, Umami
From my second order from Yunomi in 2024. Got a small flight of Kurihara’s other teas. This one is pretty nice! nothing super special about it, but a very solid sencha.
Sweetness is mild. No bitterness or astringency. Lasts 4 infusions.
Harvest: May 2024
Location: Yabemura village, Yame, Fukuoka
Elevation: 300-700 m
Notes: Regular steaming (40-50 seconds) used but leaves are young and delicate so the results is close to a deep steaming (fukamushi)
Flavors: Grass, Seaweed, Sweet, Umami
The first of the free samples that Yunomi sent with my order, though this was some leftover 2023 tea. Still tasted good, but I can’t help but think it was significantly better fresh.
I’m a sucker for asamushi. This one is very nice. Nothing wrong with it, but also nothing that stands out. Just a solid pick. Mouthfeel is mildly thick. No bitterness or astringency. Mild sweetness with strong umami.
Harvest: May 2023
Location: Ashikubo, Shizuoka
Flavors: Umami, sweetness, vegetal
Flavors: Sweet, Umami, Vegetal
The last of the samples I chose from Yunomi’s extensive catalogue. Not as good as #8, but still a respectable sencha.
Also very little bitterness or astringency, but overall weaker flavor than #8.
Harvest: May 2024
Cultivars: Yabukita-based blend (other cultivars include Saemidori, Okumidori, Okuyutaka)
Location: Upper mountains of Yabe village, Yame District, Fukuoka, Japan
Altitude: 600 m
Flavors: Sweet, umami, vegetal
Flavors: Sweet, Umami, Vegetal
Another wonderful sencha from Chiyonoen. Their teas along with Kurihara seem to be winners from Yunomi’s catalogue.
No bitterness or astringency. Pure umami sweetness and smoothness.
Harvest: May 1, 2024 (88th day of spring)
Cultivar: Blend of saemidori, yabukita, okumidori, okuyutaka
Location: Upper mountains of Yabe village, Yame District, Fukuoka, Japan
Altitude: 600 m
Flavors: Umami, sweetness, vegetal
Flavors: Sweet, Umami, Vegetal
