Gyokuro Jade Dew Green

This selection was the nicest Gyokuro I have had to date. Full of umami, no bitterness, and no caffeine overdose like some gyokuros. Better than ones I have ordered direct from Uji, Japan. Good for three steepings in a kyusu: 1.5 Tbs. of tea, 300 ml of 160 F, 1 minute 20 seconds each steeping.

This is my absolute favorite Japanese Green Tea. It is a beautiful green color with a clean fresh green delicate scent. Brewed as recommended it has a light sweet but full round body taste. However, this tea has such depth of character that you can experiment with the brewing and it will never disappoint. A lesser or greater amount of tea in the pot yields interesting nuances of flavor. I would give it more than 5 stars.

This tea almost defies description, and has re-defined the way I perceive Japanese Green Tea. The leaves are long, slender, shiny and a beautiful dark green, and give off a very delicate yet fragrant aroma.

The labor-intensive processing is evident upon opening the one pound tin and seeing what I might just venture to call "Tea Perfection through Tea Obsession" this tea literally radiates pride and quality, for which the Japanese are so well-known.

The cup is pale, belying the depth of flavor that this soothing tea has to the very last drop, and while not assertive, the tea does have a satisfying presence: this is precious tea here, no question about it, a little goes a long way, and easily gives at least two infusions.

This tea demands careful attention to water temperature and quality, I brew the first pot at 160 degrees F. For two minutes, and I am still experimenting with subsequent infusions, and have produced a good second infusion at 170 F. For three minutes.