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This is the most unique gyokuro I’ve tried, and not in the best way. It’s not bad, just not my style. I like the brain-punch levels of L-theanine that a high-quality gyokuro gives. This one just does not have anywhere close to those levels. It is the least brothy and umami-filled gyokuro I’ve tried. Not a bad tea by any means, but a poor representation of the style if I may say.

Definitely better than the aracha! This one is very nice and uses a unique method of preparing the soil in Japan called chagusaba, wherein ground up sugarcane is among some additives used to fertilize the soil.

Medium sweetness, with nonexistent bitterness or astringency. Chalky aftertaste lasts awhile and is a bit of an unpleasant note honestly. I think this tea, like many fukamushicha, does better with shorter steeps and lower temps.

The first infusion is a bit fruity. Much less grassy overall compared to other senchas/greens in general. Not going to get more of this, but I did enjoy it!

Cultivar: Yabukita

So given how much I liked Nozomi, I ordered a sampling of other teas from JGT Co., even though this is not a company I probably would have otherwise purchased from. This is my first aracha, so nothing to compare it to. However, it is fairly bland overall. Has almost no smell on the dry or wet leaves, and the flavor is not bad, but nothing to write home about.

This one is very mehh. It’s very cherry, but in a kind of cough syrupy way.

It’s okay. I’ve had better. But this one is a bit more my style than the rooibos chai.

Another bagged herbal from Tiffany – thank you! Don’t love this one, really. Just tastes like hot ginger water with some turmeric or something. Not for me; I’d rather just eat some ginger honestly.

So I basically never drink bagged tea anymore unless I am having a chai latte or a London fog. However, Tiffany sent me some free samples from Davidson’s that she got, and I’m helping review them. This one is just okay. I think I’ve had better rooibos and better chai before, though it’s not bad. Probably not something I would like in a latte as much as other chai if I’m being honest.

Last tea from LP. This is even worse than the YQH, and a very disappointing offer from CYH, who I was beginning to think were the masters of factory puerh haha. This one is just bland, but not pleasant like YQH. Only note is a mild astringency.

From what I can gather, “Zhengshan” means simply that the tea comes from actual Yiwu town instead of the surrounding area.

Hmmm well this one is just okay. Bought this from LP, not YQH’s website. I saw Teadb’s video on this tea recently and while I don’t quite agree with James’ low rating of the tea, I understand his frustrations and think it is pretty on point. The tea is actually pleasant, but that is about the only notable feature. It has a decent “feeling” to it, but no discernible flavors, qi, or much of a distinguishable mouthfeel. It’s just kind of there. Not bad, but certainly not good.

Thank you, LP, for enabling me to try this truly stunning, famous cake at a great price ($1.5/g)! This is one of the best shengs I’ve had. Simultaneously powerful and calm. Sweet from the get-go with no off notes.

The mouthfeel is wild on this one: thick as honey, and sticky too. I would love a cake of this, but alas, none are available online. TWL has a 2005 version for sale for $1/g, and I’m sure it is comparable, but it is out of my price range.