2016 Harvest, which Stone Leaf says “stands out as truly exceptional.”
I have to say, I cannot disagree. This is very good. Steeped my usual way. Did about 7 grams in 100ml gaiwan with 70C water for just over a minute to start. Comes out a nice, transparent green.
Very nice umami flavor balanced with a pleasant vegetal sourness with sweet, creamy chestnut swirled in. Smooth texture
Second steep, 80C for about 20 seconds. Not as much flavor as I’ve had come out in some other shaded greens on the seconds steep. I can taste the umami, but I can also clearly taste the water. That leads me to conclude that I could either use even more leaf or steep this one a bit harder than my others.
Overall, this is a very good, well-balanced kabusecha that is a bit on the gentler side, making it great for not being in the mood for an umami bomb, or introducing someone to shaded Japanese greens. I can definitely see myself getting more of this!
Flavors: Chestnut, Creamy, Pleasantly Sour, Sweet, Umami, Vegetal
