5 Tasting Notes
Wow, this one was my favorite so far. Pre-steeping, I noticed that the leaves were darker and more delicate than the macho Mecha. My first cup was delicious and the first one I’d tried where I could really appreciate the “sweetness”. My second steeping was not quite as good as the first, but still good.
I’ll definitely be ordering more of this one. It has me excited to try Den’s Gyokuro next, which I’ve been holding in reserve.
Preparation
Strongly vegetal and quite astringent, but bracing and enjoyable. I’m using it in place of coffee. Seems like a good value, too. I am using about 8 oz of water with 2 rounded teaspoons of tea, a little less tea than Den recommends but still pretty darn strong. I think it is adding hair to my chest. The second steeping (boiled water, 15-20 sec.) is about the same as the first for me.
Preparation
You probably like it strong, since you are using it as a coffee replacement, but try it with 170F degree water for 45 seconds, just slightly less than recommended. For me, I found it to suddenly become creamy, less sharply vegetal, and only slightly astringent at the end. It was kind of like hitting the sweet spot.
I tried it as you suggested and I did enjoy it that way a little more- thank you!
Cool, I’m glad to hear it!
This was my first authentic green tea. I liked it and am enjoying each cup a little more. I’ve been using too little tea for the amount of water, so I’m looking forward to my next session. Even with the amount I’ve been using, the cup has been flavorful and the 2nd steeping has been almost as good as the first. I don’t have much to compare it to yet, but it is quite mild in comparison to the astringent Mecha (http://www.denstea.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=102_116) I’ve also tried.
