Tea Review: Shorai Hachijyuhachiya (88th Night) Hand-picked Sayama Ichou Sencha (Charaku)

Shorai Hachijyuhachiya (88th Night) Hand-picked Sayama Ichou Sencha (八十八夜) 2024 Shincha

Charaku
Type: Green
Origin: Japan, Saitama Prefecture, Hidaka
Product Description:

Shorai (literally, the "Sound of the Pines") is a most special tea from Bizenyacha in Saitama Prefecture that we are proud to offer a limited quantity this year. The leaves of three varietals are picked from their nogien (naturally-grown tea garden), slightly withered, and hoiro-roasted (a special form of hand-roasting) to bring out the best of the teas' aroma and create a harmony among the three distinct varietals.

This tea has the distinction of being served to Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress during the dessert course at a visit to Koryo Shrine in 2017. It continues to be a most special tea year after year.

We are pleased to bring back Sayama-cha, teas from Southwest Saitama Prefecture, after a long absence. This particular tea is special as an Ichou (Withered) Sencha created by Shimizu-san of Bizenyacha in Hidaka, Saitama.

The techniques of allowing a short withering period and then mild roasting creates a tea that is still Japanese green tea, but starting to lean towards an Oolong. Some call these teas Japanese Green Oolong.

The annual tea harvest in Japan begins 88 days after Risshun, the start of spring on the traditional Japanese calendar. Drinking tea picked on this day has always been considered auspicious and believed to bring good health throughout the year. Often reserved for family and friends, this tea has naturally limited availability. Charaku Fine Japanese Tea is pleased to offer Hachijyuhachiya Sencha this year! This Ichou (withered) Sencha fromthe Sayama tea-growing region is a most special tea. We hope it brings you health and good fortune this year!

Temperature: 194° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 5-50 seconds

The dry leaf aroma is bright and savory with marine green and nutty notes.

The liquor is bright green, thick, and cloudy with a sharp green, savory aroma with notes of green vines.  The taste is sharp, green, and refreshing with mild astringency and notes reminiscent of vine beans, snap peas, and steamed dark green vegetables.

For the purpose of this review, I prepared this sencha using the suggested water temperature and brewing time; 50 seconds for the first steep, 5 seconds for the second steep, and 50 seconds for the third steep.  The flavor and aroma evoked springtime, new plants, and my grandmother's sun-warmed greenhouse.  Each infusion left a fresh and almost cooling sensation at the finish. 

This tea was purchased by me.