Zencha "Official" Japanese tea topic

by **Chip** » Mar 3rd, '12, 23:19

Re: Zencha "Official" Japanese tea topic

by Chip » Mar 3rd, '12, 23:19

Our good friends at Zencha have replied ... positively. The OTTI is a GO!

I will post a topic under OTTI in the next day or two. Please be on the lookout for it.

This OTTI will feature all 6 of their Kagoshima sencha leaf tea! Everyone will receive 10 grams each of the same 3 sencha ...

KG-S04 Organic Kagoshima Sencha Matsu
KG-S06 Yutakamidori Super Premium
KG-S02 Kagoshima Sencha Fuku

In addition, everyone will receive 1-2 other Kagoshima selections based upon availability.

KG-S01 Kagoshima Sencha Super Premium
KG-S03 Kagoshima Sencha Ten
KG-S05 Organic Kagoshima Ume

So, everyone will receive 40-50 grams.

Sweet!

So look for the new topic under OTTI!!!!!

by **SilentChaos** » Mar 4th, '12, 00:11

Re: Zencha "Official" Japanese tea topic

by SilentChaos » Mar 4th, '12, 00:11

Jumps in Joy

Thanks chip! :mrgreen:

by **sherubtse** » May 7th, '12, 09:17

Re: Zencha "Official" Japanese tea topic

by sherubtse » May 7th, '12, 09:17

Placed my first order with Zencha yesterday. Received an e-mail early today saying it had been shipped, and thanking me for the order.

It will be interesting to see how things go, in terms of shipping time, quality of packaging, quality of tea, customer service in case there is a problem, etc.

Best wishes,
sherubtse

by **sherubtse** » May 16th, '12, 17:37

Re: Zencha "Official" Japanese tea topic

by sherubtse » May 16th, '12, 17:37

sherubtse wrote:Placed my first order with Zencha yesterday. Received an e-mail early today saying it had been shipped, and thanking me for the order.

It will be interesting to see how things go, in terms of shipping time, quality of packaging, quality of tea, customer service in case there is a problem, etc.

Best wishes,
sherubtse

Order arrived yesterday, well-packaged, and with a tea bag as a sample. When I inquired about the latter, my e-mail was answered within 24 hours. So great shipping and customer service.

Let's see how the tea tastes ....

Best wishes,
asherubtse

by **hopeofdawn** » May 17th, '12, 15:11

Re: Zencha "Official" Japanese tea topic

by hopeofdawn » May 17th, '12, 15:11

Restocked some Japanese greens through Zencha this last week--shipping and packaging was, as always, very reasonable and prompt! Interesting note: I ordered their matcha sansui, which I've enjoyed in the past, and decided to try out their Gyokuro the Ultimate as well.

As I've never had gyokuro before, I have nothing to compare it to, but it's very dark green and intense, with a very pale green liquor--I'm still working out how to brew it, so I'm not sure on the taste yet. Oddly enough, the front of the (very pretty!) envelope it came in said 'Gyokuro the Ultimate', while the sticky label on the back said 'Premium Sencha'. So now I'm wondering if I actually did get gyokuro, or just a really high grade sencha ... and whether it matters as long as I like the result.

by **Chip** » May 17th, '12, 18:14

Re: Zencha "Official" Japanese tea topic

by Chip » May 17th, '12, 18:14

You can always contact them, they are prompt in replying. You will likely hear back from Nishiki (who is also a member of TeaChat).

The temp is uber critical for brewing a stronger session of Gyokuro Ultimate, 50* C. I use a ratio of 2 grams leaf to 1 ounce water. I suspect you can even go higher in leaf. Most times I go 90 seconds with a new arrival and will increase the time in subsequent sessions. At this low temp, PREHEAT EVERYTHING!

Since you are a newb to gyokuro, I also find the "precious dew" is best brewed in low volumes of water and served in small cups. Most times I only brew 2-3 ounces and serve in 1-2 ounce cups. This reminds me to truly savor the flavor, the moment!

Lastly, as with sencha, this gyo can offer several different "I must sit down" moments. Gyo Ultimate has an incredible aroma as the dry leaf warms in the preheated pot. Careful, it might blow your freakin' mind!

by **hopeofdawn** » May 24th, '12, 11:01

Re: Zencha "Official" Japanese tea topic

by hopeofdawn » May 24th, '12, 11:01

Thanks for the info, Chip! Thus far I've tried brewing the gyokuro in both my Seong-Il pots--100 ml and 120 ml respectively, using about the amount of leaf you recommend. You were right about the smell--especially in the unglazed 100 ml porcelain pot, it was seriously intense! And lingered long after the tea had been dumped out and the pot had been rinsed.

So far I am enjoying the gyokuro--it tastes to my untrained tastebuds a lot like sencha, but without the bitterness that often puts me off--and a lot more concentrated, of course.

I have discovered the hard way though that you have to pay attention brewing it--a few seconds too long can really make a difference in the taste.

by **sherubtse** » May 24th, '12, 17:40

Re: Zencha "Official" Japanese tea topic

by sherubtse » May 24th, '12, 17:40

sherubtse wrote:Order arrived yesteday, well-packaged, and with a tea bag as a sample. When I inquired about the latter, my e-mail was answered within 24 hours. So great shipping and customer service.

Let's see how the tea tastes ....

Best wishes,
sherubtse

Have been whisking the Matcha Moe for the past few mornings. A lovely matcha it is, too: light, not bitter or chalky. Easy no-lump sifting as well. A great tea for the price! :mrgreen:

Best wishes,
sherubtse