A Tale of 4 Yutaka Midori

[Chip]

I would recommend the Kumpu sencha from Ippodo. That asamushi tea really stands out in my mind. In short, it was very memorable. Excellent to boot.

I agree: Kumpu and Kaboku from Ippodo are great and cost approximatively the same price as ocha's ones.

... but, this is all about Yutaka Midori. All 4 of the YM appear at least mid steamed or Chumushi. None have the appearence of Asamushi.

I often forward suggestions I hear over here to Kevin, and he does listen to his customers. I will likely forward the requests for asamushi to him. I think if the Kirameki is as popular as I believe, he might be inclined to offer one or 2 asamushi to compliment his line.

So far, in my stage 2 of the testings, taste testing all 4 in the same day, but independently (verses side by side, which will be stage 3), I have tried 3 of the 4. I see some clear differences. But you will have to wait for more info ...

In this stage, I am brewing them all the same way, and a little more leaf than normal for me for YM. 5 grams per 6 ounces (.83 ratio vs my normal .77 ratio) 168* and starting first pour at 55 seconds, what I would consider appropriate for a chumushi. I am doing 4 steeps instead of my normal 5.

[britt]

But, O-Cha really doesn't offer much of the lighter steamed selections - which I don't interpret as being bland. Especially when adequate leaf is used.

That's probably why I purchase primarily from O-Cha; I seem to like the stronger flavor that most of their teas offer. With the lighter ones, I do increase the amount of leaf, sometimes quite significantly, to strengthen the flavor.

I like having a variety on hand. To have lighter and deeper steamed tea to select from.

The other senchas I tried, especially those I received as gifts from vendors, were a pleasant enough diversion. I enjoyed those quite a bit, but wouldn't drink them exclusively.

[britt]

... I find that o-cha's selection is biased toward fukamushi, and to some degree stronger more astringent teas. Not that there's anything wrong with them, but I enjoy asamuchi and chumushi as well, and I find o-cha's selection to be a bit more lacking in that area.

My personal preference is the stronger, more astringent types although I really do like the Kirameki a lot, even though I find it to be much milder. It's really too bad it is so limited in availability. I purchased 300 grams this year because after trying it for the first time last year, I attempted to re-order but it was already gone.

[Chip]

To discuss the sencha steaming topic, please visit here. Asa, Chu, Fuka ... name your 'mushicha! You can copy and paste your post there as well.

[Pentox]

So what's your verdict for your YMs?

[Chip]

Stage one was trying each leading up to this weekend.

Stage two was trying them individually through out the day Saturday.

Stage 3 is today I hope. I will conduct side by side tastings. Should be a hoot. I wish I had the japanese version of tasting sets. I saw them pictured but not for sale, forget where though. 4 sets would have been great for this.

Anyway, I will post if I can tomorrow.

[Chip]

I have completed 3 steeps side by side of all 4 YM and will try to post today if time permits. I will have plenty of "soggy leaf tea" for most of the remainder of the day.

As I mentioned above, I did pass on the asamushi requests to O-Cha.

[Ed]

As I mentioned above, I did pass on the asamushi requests to O-Cha.

Yeah, I've also thought about suggesting a little more variety over at O-cha.

[Chip]

I completed the tastings, have my notes, but I have been a little beat up physically. I hope to post in the next 24 hours.

O-Cha heard our requests and has offered an asamushicha, basically a non shincha version of Kirameki from Tsuen Tea House. Asamushicha

[Chip]

I guess the "accident" had a bigger effect on me than I realized. I have not been really up to posting much, a lot of pain, which has been a drain. I am starting to feel better, I hope, so, I will post soon.

[Salsero]

Hope you do feel enormously better very soon. Certainly tasting notes are a low priority compared to your physical well being. I think we can all wait a bit.

[bambooforest]

I have found, that the Chiran Kagoshima sencha from O-Cha makes a surprisingly good third steep. A really excellent value for a very fine tasting sencha.

It will be interesting to hear of Chip's findings.

[Chip]

Hope you do feel enormously better very soon. Certainly tasting notes are a low priority compared to your physical well being. I think we can all wait a bit.

Thanx, Sal. At least my taste buds still work fine.

It will be interesting to hear of Chip's findings.

I agree!

And yes, the O-Cha Chiran makes a great 3rd steep ... and 2nd and 1st, and 4th, etc.

[chamekke]

I guess the "accident" had a bigger effect on me than I realized. I have not been really up to posting much, a lot of pain, which has been a drain. I am starting to feel better, I hope, so, I will post soon.

Chip, please take it easy and do not rush things! Your recovery is far more important than our curiosity. We can wait until you're better. After all, most of us have some other teas to drink in the meantime

[Salsero]

Thanx, Sal. At least my taste buds still work fine.

There's nothing worse than having that nagging ache in your taste buds.

Your recovery is far more important than our curiosity.

I hope you realize that Chamekke speaks only for herself here.