Hello all--
I searched for this topic using both the forum search and google, but got limited results. If there are any posts that already answer this, I'd love links!
In short, I am looking to start exploring the world of gyokuro. I've recently gotten into sencha and I have found that I like O-cha's Kagoshima Yutaka Midori, their Uji Miyabi, and I like their Kabusecha less, though I'm still experimenting with quantity, brew temperature, and steep time, to see if I can get something I'm fonder of.
Perusing the boards, I am somewhat overwhelmed... so does anyone have recommendations of what to start with, in terms of gyokuro? For what reason do you recommend this for beginners? Whom would you recommend I order from?
Brewing tips would also be appreciated, though I probably would start off with a kyuusu, as I already have one... I've my eye on a shiboridashi, too; does anyone have advice on shiboridashi vs. houhin?
Thanks!
I'm not really sure that you would want to go down the road toward gyokuro. Kabusecha is similar to being between a sencha and a gyokuro, and if you're not liking something that leans toward gyo, I don't think you would enjoy gyo.
That said, using a kyusu is just fine. I did for a long time until I got a houhin. I don't find much difference in the brew between a houhin and a kyuusu, it's mostly just for style.
If you do want to start out with a gyo though, the Yame from o-cha is a decent offering for starters. Hibiki-an and den's might also be nice places to start. Brewing varies pretty greatly between the grades so once you choose one it'll be easier to lead you down a path of brewing.
That said, using a kyusu is just fine. I did for a long time until I got a houhin. I don't find much difference in the brew between a houhin and a kyuusu, it's mostly just for style.
If you do want to start out with a gyo though, the Yame from o-cha is a decent offering for starters. Hibiki-an and den's might also be nice places to start. Brewing varies pretty greatly between the grades so once you choose one it'll be easier to lead you down a path of brewing.
May 13th, '09, 22:54
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if you want to try something slightly more on the value side you may try shizuokateas gyo hoshino. it is a hand picked and actually quite tasty. i think one of the other guys here reviewed it or had it a while back for their daily gyo. I have it and its quite nice. also if you order over 30 bucks..so if you order something else besides the gyo, you'll get free shipping
May 13th, '09, 23:00
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Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Gyokuro is a different world from sencha IMHO. I generally do not like everyday priced gyo, but Yame from O-Cha is quite good for 28 USD for 100 grams.
They also happen to have the best I have tried in Kame which is about the same price but for 50 grams, took me 10 years to try one this good. So, you can build up to Kame with one like Yame, or go for the best right away with Kame.
They also happen to have the best I have tried in Kame which is about the same price but for 50 grams, took me 10 years to try one this good. So, you can build up to Kame with one like Yame, or go for the best right away with Kame.
blah blah blah SENCHA blah blah blah!!!
I hate to rain on anyone's parade... but gyokoru is a tea that takes time and focus to make right. It's not a casual tea like sencha (in terms of preparation).
Furthermore, though I enjoy gyokuro... I actually enjoy the flavor of sencha even more.
If you were to offer me 100 grams of sencha or a 100 grams of gyokuro... I'd take the sencha all day long.
Furthermore, though I enjoy gyokuro... I actually enjoy the flavor of sencha even more.
If you were to offer me 100 grams of sencha or a 100 grams of gyokuro... I'd take the sencha all day long.
I say try asamushi sencha too before testing out gyokuro, and a good advice would be not to start out with the most expencieve, gyokuro needs a bit of experience it is the hardest to brew from all green teas, something around 30$ is a good place to start, o-cha`s yame gyokuro, hibiki-an`s gyokuro premium (I started with that too), horaido`s Kame no Yowai (the best in this price category, but many are afraid to order, no online shop no paypal, only comunication via e-mail and fax, but I bless the day I took the courage to order from them), and maiko`s Fugenji Midori - it is and interesting gyo with very steady and long lasting aroma od pine needle, it smells like it too, my grandpa`s favourite gyokuro.
And the answer for Houhin vs Shiboradashi, it is simple are you drinking gyokuro alone or 3 to five person at the time, I recomend an 80 ml shiboradashi if you drink your tea alone and if there are guests bring out the houhin, and one of the best ways to enjoy gyokuro in solitude is susuricha, check it out http://www.maiko.ne.jp/english/shopping/susuri.htm.
And the answer for Houhin vs Shiboradashi, it is simple are you drinking gyokuro alone or 3 to five person at the time, I recomend an 80 ml shiboradashi if you drink your tea alone and if there are guests bring out the houhin, and one of the best ways to enjoy gyokuro in solitude is susuricha, check it out http://www.maiko.ne.jp/english/shopping/susuri.htm.
Thanks for your advice, everyone!
bambooforest, my parades tend to get all the stronger in light of rain (I'm a contrary beast), in spite of good intentions of said rain, but, well, I hope not to admit defeat. Good at brewing picky tea or not, I am prone to research and experimentation. I'd like to at least have explored that avenue, even if I ultimately found it to not be my thing (my cup of tea, for horrible punniness?).
bambooforest, my parades tend to get all the stronger in light of rain (I'm a contrary beast), in spite of good intentions of said rain, but, well, I hope not to admit defeat. Good at brewing picky tea or not, I am prone to research and experimentation. I'd like to at least have explored that avenue, even if I ultimately found it to not be my thing (my cup of tea, for horrible punniness?).
hugin
Gyokuro is definitely delicious and wondrous... no doubt about it.twinofmunin wrote:
bambooforest, my parades tend to get all the stronger in light of rain (I'm a contrary beast), in spite of good intentions of said rain, but, well, I hope not to admit defeat. Good at brewing picky tea or not, I am prone to research and experimentation. I'd like to at least have explored that avenue, even if I ultimately found it to not be my thing (my cup of tea, for horrible punniness?).
The few times I've had it I've brewed it at about 5 grams per 5 ounces at around 160 F but no hotter. Apparently too... it's not as critical what the temperature is for subsequent steeps.
You'll most likely love it. What's not to love? Just make sure you also dive into the universe of sencha chaaa chaa cha (echoes out mysteriously)....