Tea Review: 2022 Unshaded Saemidori Single Cultivar Fukamushicha - Limited Edition (Yunomi/Kaneroku Matsumoto-en)

2022 Unshaded Saemidori Single Cultivar Fukamushicha - Limited Edition
Kaneroku Matsumotoen/Yunomi
Type: Green
Origin: Japan, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimada, Kiriyama
Product Description:

This year's saemidori cultivar has come out excellent. Even though unshaded, the strength of the field's natural umami creates a delicious balance as a deep-steamed fukamushi sencha green tea. 

But, please remember that extremely sweet versions of saemidori are made so by shading the field (sometimes only a few days so not called “Kabusecha”). This tea is meant for those who seek a strong-bodied, bitter tea.

Temperature: 160° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 30 seconds-1 minute

The dry leaves have a sweet green and nutty aroma.

The bright green liquor is semi-opaque with a sweet green, nutty, and buttery aroma.  The taste is sweet, green and nutty, with the first hints of astringency and a long green finish.

I purchased this tea a year after it was produced and it seems to have aged beautifully.  The aroma had unexpected buttery notes and the mouthfeel was surprisingly smooth.  A lovely amami (sweetness) developed in the second infusion, appearing at the back of my mouth following each sip.  After the first two 30 second steepings, the liquor became clear and held up well to a longer 1 minute steeping. While this hit exactly right for my preferences. you can achieve more boldness and astringency by starting out with a slightly longer steeping time (45 seconds to 1 minute).

This tea was purchased by me.