Green Tea Forum

syntheticpanda · 2nd Degree Black Belt Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 198

I was just curious about the difference between the "Fujitsubo" and "Gyoku-Hou" varieties of gyokuro from the o-cha store.

They look to be quite similar in terms of price and place of origin (not to mention the product pictures look identical), so I was curious as to whether there is a difference in quality (though I expect both are of high quality) and/or flavor profile between the two.

I have not tried either one, though I have tried "Shou-un," but I am curious as to which I should choose for my next purchase.

Thanks!

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

Good question. They are both on the same level in quality, but one carries the "Tsuen" name which is why it is more expensive. Tsuen is "the" oldest tea shop in Japan (845 years) and is still sitting on the same spot of the Uji river it always has. We we the first complany outside of their family to carry any of their teas. At this level, I doubt you will find a great difference between them quality wise.

Both Tsuen and my other supplier have one gyokuro that is higher in quality than Fujitsubo, but we have not carried them as of yet. If we decide to, it will be expensive, whew!

Yunomi-no U don't · Uh, Can I Add Sugar? Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 10

Hello Syntheticpanda,
While I am by no means an expert, I am quite fond of Gyokuro teas. I once ordered both the Gyoku-Hou and the cheaper Shou-Un at the same time and made a comparison. It could just be my taste buds, but the Shou-Un both smelled and tasted better than the Gyoku-Hou. Perhaps there was too much deviation in my brewing methods. I have previously had the Fujitsubo and when it became available again this year, I ordered more. In my opinion, it is better smelling and tasting than both the Gyoku-Hou and Shou-Un. The Fujitsubo seems to have a bit more of the "aquired taste" edge to it if you don't have much experience with Gyokuro teas. But, once you make it correctly, you will realize that it is a great tea and you will always want some. If I could afford it, this would be the only tea for me to drink.

Admin,
If you have an opportunity to get a better Gyokuro ("higher in quality than Fujitsubo"), count me in to buy some. There is nowhere else that I know of that has a better tea than Fujistubo, and I have not had a better tea than Fujitsubo. So, if you want to test the market, you have sold one package already Smile

p.s. What is the better Gyokuro called? Can you give us some descriptions of it?

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

The next time I place an order from them, I will order some - can't remember the name of it off the top of my head, heh.

syntheticpanda · 2nd Degree Black Belt Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 198

Thanks to both of you! I appreciate the help. When it comes time to purchase more, I think I'll go with the Fujitsubo.

By the way, is "Fujitsubo" the name given to it by the producer or by the O-cha store manager? I don't know if the name can be found somewhere else as well, but Lady Fujitsubo is a character in The Tale of Genji, by Murasaki Shikibu. She plays the role of an incomparably beautiful yet unattainable (for the most part, anyway) emperor's wife with whom Prince Genji is madly in love. He cannot stop thinking about her, and even marries a girl who looks just like her in an attempt to replace her. Even though he does seem to love his look-alike wife, the replacement just isn't the same and he is never quite able to forget the Fujitsubo lady.

Anyway, I just thought it was interesting (and possibly appropriate, as I may discover if I try it) that this tea is named after a beautiful woman who could not be forgotten or easily replaced. I'm sure there is someone else on this board who has read The Tale of Genji, as it is quite well known, but I highly recommend it for those of you who haven't and are interested in Japanese history.

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

Good job on spotting that! The name of this is given by my supplier, they name all of their teas around the tale of Genji. Their shop has sat of the same spot on the Uji river for 845 years, and their name is even mentioned in the dictory for "old" Japanese. Otsuusan is Musashi's girlfriend. Uji Sencha Otsuusan

Chip · Posted: Dec 16, 2006 4:59 am Post subject:

...well, that is certainly very romantic...

Kevin, this thread seemed to be a good place for this post since it is focused on your 2 premium Gyokuro.

I have noticed that often premium Gyokuro is placed in smaller bags of 40 or 50 grams. This is nice for several reasons...mainly the price point is easier to swallow and thus I would be more apt to order 1 or both. Also, since I do not enjoy Gyokuo every day (usually 2 or on a rare week 3X per week is about my limit), a smaller bag remains fresher since a 100 gram bag lasts longer than I am comfortable with for Japanese tea.

Is this a viable option for the 2 premium Gyokuro options you offer...even if it is in the future?

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

Chip · Posted: Dec 17, 2006 2:51 am Post subject: