I am a fan of Japanese greens. I scored this as a sample with a purchase of TKY from Lupicia. Im always a bit iffy with Gyokuro, because they are very picky about the brew, and I become lazy to brew it with the right amount of patience.
I brewed this in a 12 ounce kyusu, with obi-ami mesh. Went extra careful with the water, and brewed it at one minute ascending brews, stopping my pour half way through, swirling the tea around quickly around the mesh and finishing the pour. Over all it drew up a bit more than four cups, if you want bolder flavour go with two minute ascending or tinker with the seconds. I try to just pass one brew with Gyokuro, most of the time the pickiness can’t handle another draw, and I rather not play by the clock with a Gyokuro.
Like any Japanese green it has a vegetable profile, but I agree that it is a soft, more “friendly” Gyokuro, not the menacing green giant in a cup ready to smack your mouth with its’ almost overwhelming beta-carotene rich flavor! The cup drew light green, granted a enjoyable fresh glasslike scent and delivered a flavour that glides through your mouth with a oceanic finish, leaving you wanting to tilt the cup again, I consider it refreshing.
Starting on a Gyokuro? This wouldn’t be a bad choice for a starter in my opinion. After the sample I would try this again if i was in the mood. It’s a great tea.
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I’m guessing that the 90 °C brew temp you posted was in error, but if not, I recommend trying to brew it at a much lower temperature (50-60 °C) and you should get even better results.
Thanks for the comment. I usually brew greens at 200ºF. Gyokuro, a bit shy of the temperature. But I’ll take in account brewing at a lower temperature, I’m just a bit scared of letting the cup get cold.
I’m guessing that the 90 °C brew temp you posted was in error, but if not, I recommend trying to brew it at a much lower temperature (50-60 °C) and you should get even better results.
Thanks for the comment. I usually brew greens at 200ºF. Gyokuro, a bit shy of the temperature. But I’ll take in account brewing at a lower temperature, I’m just a bit scared of letting the cup get cold.