Kuradashi Gyokuro - have you tried it?

[kongni]

Hibiki-an is going to be offering kuradashi gyokuro soon. Has anyone tried this "aged gyokuro"? Is it worth the $$$? What's it like?

Tell me! Tell me!

[scruffmcgruff]

I'm not a huge gyokuro fan, but I tried it and thought it was high quality. IIRC, it is more traditional to sell slightly-aged (~6 months) gyokuro, so it's not a hoax or anything.

[olivierco]

It is a very good gyokuro. The taste is richer than regular gyokuro. You should try it. About 25$ for 40g (super premium) and 25$ for 80g (premium)

[Salsero]

Would this be a good introductory gyokuro? I have still not had a good one and feel like I need something that I can't mess up too much, but that still has that sweet rich taste that everyone talks about.

[olivierco]

Would this be a good introductory gyokuro? I have still not had a good one and feel like I need something that I can't mess up too much, but that still has that sweet rich taste that everyone talks about.

Which one did you taste?
It could be, but you will then have to wait until october. I will send you a sample when I get it.

[Salsero]

Which one did you taste?

I have had two: a TeaGschwendner gyo a couple years ago, but really had no idea how to prepare it. More recently, I got some of the Den's Gyokuro Kin, their cheapest. At it's best, the Kin has come out like a sort of bland sencha. I just need to order a good quality, introductory level gyo that's not too subtle and not too tricky to brew and get it over with.

[olivierco]

Gyokuro isn't tricky to brew anyway.
Preheated teapot and cups
8gr 80-100ml 55°C (130°F) 90s 5s 15s 30s 60s is a good starting point.

Uji Gyokuro Kame-Giru-Shi is very good and has the advantage to be sold in 50gr package.

My twin should come soon to recommend a nice Lupicia Yame gyokuro.

[Pentox]

Lupicia's Yame Gyokuro Vil Hoshino 2008. $30 / 50g.

I haven't tried this years, but last year's was fantastic.

[Pentox]

Bassaro has a good yame gyokruo although they are exclusively in France and don't export to the US.

I've heard good things about the Yame Gyokuro the ultimate from Zencha.net.

As bargain Gyokuro the Adagio gyokruo isn't bad. It's much cheaper compared to the high end yame stuff, but not nearly as good. Same goes for the Tao of Tea gyokuro.

I've got a few other samples of gyo sitting here to try out, one of which looks to be stellar and the other most likely a bargain tea.

[Salsero]

Twin arrived a few seconds late. I ordered the O-Cha product! Thanks guys. Will let you know how it goes.

[Pentox]

Lol darn. If I knew you were going to go with o-cha I would have said to wait for next week when the Chiprumormill says they will start offering a new yame gyo.

[Salsero]

I think I would probably still have thought it better to go with a standard example for now and try the special versions later after I have a sense of normal to build on. I have followed the posts about yame gyo but have avoided ordering some for that reason.

[Chip]

I have had a few of the Kuradashi versions from Hibiki, word to the wise, skip the superior grade. I had 160 grams, still have 60 and use it only for blending. I suspect he may not offer the superior grade due to "bad press." The Premium version is decent. Have not tried anything higher, but really want to!

Kuradashi can be aged well over a year, most non kuradashi is aged up to 6 months. Then there is also "fresh versions." Even shincha. The most traditional is aged up to 6 months.

Sal, good luck with your new attempt. Gyokuro can be easy to "misunderstand." The Yame is not a "special version" per se, it is just the prefecture in Japan that sells more gyo than any other, like 51% of all gyo sold. I imagine there is good and bad Yame just like there is good and bad of all prefectures.

I AM very anxious to try the new O-Cha Yame version (not a rumor, you heard it first from me and with authority, Kevin and I have been chatting about it for a while). It will be out this week.

[Pentox]

I AM very anxious to try the new O-Cha Yame version (not a rumor, you heard it first from me and with authority, Kevin and I have been chatting about it for a while). It will be out this week.

I'll believe it when it's in my cup and making slurping and aaahhh noises.

[Chip]

Regarding the new Yame Gyokuro, it will be first offered in 100gm bags. After next week, I'll also plan to introduce it in 50gm bags, which will be plain and of mylar/foil. I may do the same with some other gyokuro's later. People seem to want it in 50gm bags for some reason.