Kyoto Sencha - Chadōraku
Starting in 2016, we began to offer an especially select Kyoto sencha from the Tsuen teahouse in Uji, Kyoto Japan. They call this lineup "Chadōraku" and each year it is different. Tsuen teashop owner Yusuke Tsuen is an expert tea taster and has won many awards in tea tasting competitions so you can be sure that what he selects will be outstanding.
For 2018 it's our pleasure to be able to offer an especially outstanding, Limited Edition light steamed green tea ("asamushi-cha") from Minamiyamashiro village (お茶の京都みなみやましろ村) near Uji. We exclusively obtain this from Japan's oldest teashop, Tsuen Tea. This item is 100% Sakimidori leaves from the first harvest. Seldom do we come across a light steamed green tea with needles of this quality and appearance. When brewed, it yields a very nice pronounced Kyoto umami flavor. The astringency is a bit strong and it's got somewhat of a tart taste and for that reason, we consider this to be somewhat of an advanced brewer's green tea. If brewed properly under capable hands, however, it will result in a very nice infusion with strong umami aftertaste. Although you could brew this in any type of Japanese teapot, you will get the best out of it by brewing in either a hōhin or shiboridashi teapot.
Yes, we realize it is rather expensive - obviously a lot of hard work went into producing this gem of a green tea. However, our job has always been to first and foremost obtain the best green teas possible for our customers with pricing being a secondary (but still important) consideration. For that reason, we offer this in 30 gram packaging. To keep costs down, this is one of the few green teas we carry in which we will not be able to offer bonus points. Here is your chance to try some of the best of what Japan has to offer in Japanese green tea.
Net Wt. 30 grams
- Loose Leaf
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Ease of BrewingAdvanced - A little prior green tea experience recommended.
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Net Weight30 g / 1.05 oz
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Growing Region100% Uji
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HarvestFirst and/or Shincha
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BreedSaki Midori
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ShadingFull Sun
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SteamingLight
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ColorGreen
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AromaMedium
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TasteGreen
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AstringencyMedium-Strong
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ClarityClear
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First infusions per Pkg9
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OrganicNo
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Leaf (dry weight grams) to Water (1 fl oz / 30 ml) Ratio (recommended)1.2 g to 1 oz/30 ml
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Brew Temp (℃/℉ - recommended )71℃ (160℉)
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Brew Time (Seconds)45-60
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NotesOne of the best light steamed green teas you will ever try!
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JanetAug 3, 2017, 03:48I really enjoyed this tea. It is fairly light, and while I like it best brewed on the cool side, it still tastes good at higher temperatures. It also tastes good at different strengths. It is excellent to sip on it's own. If you use it with tea treats, I suggest you eat them before drinking, not during, or they may l overpower the tea's flavor.
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Joni KettunenJan 23, 2015, 15:02I love the scent of the leaves, and infusion. I've noticed how versatile it is. With different pot I got different taste even for my inexperienced mouth.
I find Asamushi Watsuka exciting tea. If I'll change little bit of brewing time or temperature I get new experience each time. This tea isn't too picky about temperature either but too long brewing time will make tea bitter. Yeah, I forgot it once when I was talking with someone.
Advantages: Easy to brew. Variation in taste.
Disadvantages: Hard to brew two exactly same tasting teas -
Peter BlackwellJun 5, 2014, 16:20I didn't realize how small the package was haha so I bought a very pricey tea on accident. I decided to enjoy my mistake; and this tea seemed promising. I really didn't feel as if I quite got out of it what it has to offer (in the few attempts I had out of the 30g) - if that makes sense to anyone . . . However I got a very strong and pleasant grassiness which I like. Plant-y sweetness and no real sea flavors. This tea has a LOT to give; the second infusion was not diminished and the third was still flavorful, I think this is very special. Not an every day tea but really great.