Review of ZENCHA.NET Gyokuro - The Ultimate

[robbie_olive]

Hi all,

I thought I'd write a quick review of Gyokuro - The Ultimate, via Zencha.net.

I have just received from Zencha.net, a 50 gram packet of Gyokuro - The Ultimate, which is grown in the Yame region of Kyushu.

As soon as I opened the packet, it had that same potent, sweet smell that you get from say Shincha Sencha of the Kyushu region (ie., o-cha's Kagoshima Yutaka Midori). It was a sit-down moment for sure.

For my first brew, I placed 2gms of Gyokuro/ 60ml of water @ 140F into my Hagi Houhin. I let it steep for 2 minutes, which was just right.

The taste was sweet, not one bit of astringency, and it left a very clean and refreshingly minty aftertaste. It is definitely a tea that needs to be savoured and "sipped" ever so slowly, so you can get the full benefits of the powerful taste. However, having said that, I haven't given it justice as it is absolutely delicious! Words failed me! I was literally thinking "WOW"!

I then tried a 2nd infusion at 160F for 1.5 minutes, and the third, also at 160F for 2 minutes. Both the latter infusions still had the same flavour, however the intensity had settled, which was a nice change to the "hit" that you get from the first steep.

At USD$25, it's actually quite good value for a fantastic flavour.

If anyone is thinking of getting Gyokuro, check out Zencha.net, and you might be pleasantly surprised.


Cheers!

[Oni]

Use more leaf, like 10 grams for 120, that means 5 grams for 60 ml, and second infusion only 30 seconds, and gradually increase temperature from 55 C, I always try to maximize the taste and aroma, and gyokuro needs a lot of leaves.

[Chip]

1-2 grams per ounce of water (30 ml) depending on the quality, higher quality means you can use more leaf for a richer experience.