Tea Review: Asanoka Kabuse Sencha (Charaku)

Asanoka Kabuse Sencha

Charaku
Type: Green
Origin: Japan, Miyazaki Prefecture, Miyazaki City, Takaoka Town
Product Description:

Kabuse (literally "covered") teas represent a growing technique where the tea plants are shaded for a period prior to harvest. This includes Gyokuro, but Gyokuro is shaded longer (3-4 weeks,) and more completely than a Kabuse Sencha, which might be shaded for a week or two at most, allowing it to occupy a space between Sencha and Gyokuro. This Asanoka Kabuse Sencha infuses to a golden-green hue with a faint grassy aroma. The first infusion is slightly buttery and full-bodied, but lightly flavored with good amami (sweetness). The second infusion thins out a bit but the shibumi (astringency) becomes more forward with sweetness at the finish. The third infusion sees astringency diminshed and a good balance of amami and shibumi. 

Temperature: 175° F

Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 30 seconds - 2 minutes

The dry leaves have a savory, nutty, and sharp green aroma.

The light yellow-green liquor has an aroma that is deeply savory with notes of nuts and sun-warmed grass.  The taste is thick and savory with umami and notes of Macadamia nuts followed by a long sweet green and nutty finish.

For the purpose of this review, I followed the suggested brewing instructions with a 2 minute initial steep, followed by a 1 minute second steep, and a 30 second third steep.  The results were deliciously savory with spring-green notes throughout.  I especially enjoyed the rich buttery notes that developed in the second infusion.

This tea was purchased by me.