Green Tea Forum

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 916 Location: Japan

Two new green teas coming out in the next week or two. One Yame gyokuro, and the other is a stellar Chiran that should shake things up a bit I think. I tried several Chiran samples from different suppliers but one stood out. Compared to the others, it is a bit on the fukamushi side with a very fine leaf.

Chip · Posted: Aug 30, 2008 1:15 am Post subject:

Cool. Can't wait to hear more about them, Kevin. 2 new teas in one week. buzzed

olivierco · Brown Belt Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 71 Location: France

Excellent news!

Chip · Posted: Aug 30, 2008 5:28 am Post subject:

Some people are already wondering if the Yame will be available in 50 grammers? Last year, you offered at least one gyokuro in a 50 gram bag.

What should we tell them?

FataliTEA · Posted: Aug 30, 2008 6:05 am Post subject:

Does Chiran refer to the used-to-be town in Kawanabe, Kagoshima?

Chip · Posted: Aug 30, 2008 6:14 am Post subject:

A partial answer ...

http://www.o-cha.com/kagoshima-green-tea.htm

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 916 Location: Japan

Frankly, I'm not sure which exact town it comes from.

Our usual Yutaka Midori is not considered "Chiran" even though it is from Kyushu (not that it matters, I usually pick based on taste more than which town a tea comes from.) This new Chiran I am about to introduce is not Yutaka Midori variety, but another type. I tried many samples, this was the most fukamushi-like of all of them and was the greenest, with the most aroma and taste. Price will be competitive, it's time to pull out the "I'm in Japan" card. It should shake things up a bit I think. Look for it middle of next week.

SieWhange · Uh, Can I Add Sugar? Joined: 01 Sep 2008 Posts: 3

Thank you for your excellent news! The two new green teas coming are very
interesting.
EDITED by Chip. Please see forum rules before posting. Click here!

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 916 Location: Japan

Regarding the new Yame Gyokuro, it will be first offered in 100gm bags. After next week, I'll also plan to introduce it in 50gm bags, which will be plain and of mylar/foil. I may do the same with some other gyokuro's later. People seem to want it in 50gm bags for some reason.

A few things...

1) In Japan, most green teas come in 100gm packages, it's standard. Bancha, genmaicha, etc, typically come in 200gm packages. 50gm is not really the norm. That doesn't mean it can't be done, it can, I'm just explaining why we do it that way.

2) Samples - It's really hard to keep green tea fresh in sampler packs, so we don't do it. I would rather have people upset with me because I don't offer samples than to have them think our tea sucked.

3) When you purchase 50gm versus 100gm, you will pay more per gram for the tea. I think some shops are offering the 50gm versions of green teas to make it look cheaper off the fly, but it isn't. Additionally, there is a base shipping charge we incur so if you order 50gm or 100gm, that 50gm reduction in the weight is not enough to reduce the base shipping charge we incur. So when you order 100gm, you are definitely getting more bang for the buck.

4) Lastly, there is no such thing as "free" shipping, I don't care who claims to offer it. One way or another, you are paying for the shipping. Either that, or you are sacrificing some degree of freshness. Just the way it is....

Ryan · Sensei Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 475

I find folly in the 50 gram packages. More accurately, I just don't see the point.

I have just ordered the chiran and the kabusecha, two teas I've never sipped in my life.

I hope you make some crazy sales with the chiran as the lower price point is indeed welcomed.

Oni · 2nd Degree Black Belt Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Posts: 213

I agree with "there is no free shipping", generally the vendor that claims this, has the shipping calculated in the price of the merchandise, he is simply selling stuff with greater interest.

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 916 Location: Japan

Anyone get their Chiran yet?

Chip · Posted: Sep 12, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject:

Finally ordered both new items tonight.

I am quite anxious to try both.

I know a few people who received both new items.

olivierco · Brown Belt Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 71 Location: France

I tried the Yame gyokuro and using my usual gyokuro parameters slightly overbrewed it.
I will then try it today or tomorrow with shorter steep time.
I also received the Chiran yesterday and should open it this week-end.

Ryan · Sensei Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 475

I received my order today.

I opted to open the kabusecha first. Because, I've been drinking a lot of deeper steamed tea; I wanted something more asamushi like for a change of pace.

I'm actually on my third steep right now. I can't make any definitive conclusions with just one pot.

I will say this, however - it is very good. I'm unsure if I like it as much as the one Kevin used to carry. But it's still really good.

Tastes very Japanese to me. Whatever that means.

Very mild, yes. I will order it again for sure. I'll let you all know of my findings with the chiran as soon as I open and consume it.