26 Tasting Notes
Delicate and fresh but a bit too simple on the palate. There is an interesting honey type note on the nose in addition to the fresh grass.
I like it and I am happy that I tried it, but I don’t feel the need to revisit it in the near future.
Preparation
2010 Shincha version. Good, nice richness and umami. Didn’t really think it had the depth/complexity I’d want at the price they are asking though ($21 for 50g).
Was it any good? I was curious about their 2 shinchas (well, this one and…Nishi san 1st flush)
It was good, nice richness and umami. Didn’t really think it had the depth/complexity I’d want at the price they are asking though ($21 for 50g). Much preferred the O-Cha Sae Midori (price and quality wise).
Yeah, that is quite expensive; at least, at that level it needs to be good. I’ve found them (Rishi) to be on the generally more expensive end of things.
Tried the 2010 Shincha version of this. Quite enjoyable, displays a rounded flavour profile with some nutty elements. Fairly simple but nicely refreshing.
Price: $9USD for 50grams
Buy again: Maybe
Preparation
Their Gokubo 1st flush Fukamushi Kukicha is awesome; I definitely recommend ($8.50 for 50g)
Thanks, got more tea than I know what to do with at the moment, but will definitely add it to the list to try!
Yeah; that makes sense… it seems like one they carry normally, not one of those seasonal specials that may not come back, so there’s probably a good chance it will be available often.
Nice sweetness and vegetable character. Not a great deal of intensity, just some restrained sweet and grassy flavour notes. Good but not especially memorable.
Buy Again: Probably not
Preparation
Just remember, this year was particularly hard on the Shizuoka harvest (early frosts). You probably wouldn’t want to buy it again (if I were in your shoes I probably wouldn’t), but if you get the opportunity to sample a better harvest year, do so. At least, I get the impression his Shincha Kunpu is very good, but this year was nothing special because of the weather.
Thanks for the comment. Will keep it in mind when drawing up the list to order next time around!
One cool thing about Den’s tea – you can request for a free 10g sample of any of their teas. Obviously they kind of hope you will order something, but if next year you planned on buying a shincha from Den’s and wanted to try the Kunpu, I’m sure you could request a sample. I highly recommend his Hashiri Shincha (I didn’t get to try the Kunpu, but I did get the Houryoku, and the Hashiri was even better). I’m planning on buying or at least sampling the Kunpu next time around.
