Green Tea Forum

lafost2 · Brown Belt Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 54

I just brewed some of the Karigane Sencha from the Tsuen Tea Shop offered by O-Cha.com, and I am getting a really good second infusion out of this tea. Did someone say that this particular tea did not yield a good second infusion, or did I see this for another tea? Does anyone have any comments on this? Also, has anyone noticed that as the tea begins to cool the tea flavor comes out more? I have noticed this with every green tea I have tried thus far. I realize that if the tea gets cold it isn't as good, but it seems to me that the tea actually gets better at a certain point when it has cooled off a little. About 4 or 5 minutes for me.

Thanks

Chip · Posted: Mar 22, 2007 12:35 am Post subject:

You are right about reading about this tea and one good infusion...somewhere Kevin mentions this...I think on the forum we discussed this a little while ago....but I think that was with the looseleaf version, not the bags. I think you mentioned somewhere about getting both.

Regardless...I actually like the 2nd infusion more than the first for this loose leaf version. The blending comes more into balance for me anyway. Plus I really enjoy the evolution of the tea as I progress through multible infusions...each having its own special quality.

I too have noticed the positve effect of slight cooling on mainly Japanese tea and mainly later infusions...3-5 (although this is too much of a stretch for this tea...2-3 for this tea). These later infusions have a more sweet sensation on the palate for me...sometimes this shocks me how sweet it is. All the high profile flavor and aroma is gone from the earlier infusions...leaving a nice mellow sweetness. So nice...mmmm. If a coke drinker were to try this, well, their reaction would be quite different I am certain... boring

and they may struggle to find any flavor at all...

lafost2 · Brown Belt Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 54

Thanks Chip, it is intersting to see that you have noticed the same thing with this tea and other Japanese teas as you mentioned. I too have noticed that this tea becomes sweeter with the second infusion. I will have to say that I like the second infusion of this tea better than the first (even though the first is very good). Thanks for your input on this question.

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 926 Location: Japan

Otsuusan tastes great when you make it kind of strong...

Chip · Posted: Mar 22, 2007 1:25 pm Post subject:

You are welcome as always, lafost2! Enjoyed your post...we have some similarities in our tea taste.

Yes...Kevin, stronger than sencha and not as strong as gyokuro...somewhere in between...which is logical for this blend of sencha leaf and gyokuro stems.

I followed your advise of 5 grams per 200 ml...pretty much right on.

lafost2 · Brown Belt Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 54

I believe I am going to try the Miyabi after I finish this tea. I have heard so many great posts on this tea. I really would like to find an O-cha tea that is more economical but still good. I am afraid that after drinking the Miyabi, however, that I will not like this tea? Has anyone tried it?

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 926 Location: Japan

While Kabusecha is not our most expensive green tea, the quality is still up there. Even though I have everything available to me here I often drink it and Otsuusan, etc, no problem, just depends on what mood I'm in. I gave a demonstration not long ago with our Daily Sencha - it's quite good even though it's second harvest. If you try Yutaka Midori or Miyabi though, they'll always be in the back of your mind.

Chip · Posted: Mar 22, 2007 10:47 pm Post subject:

lafost2 · Brown Belt Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 54

Thanks for both of your responses Kevin and Chip. I am willing to pay the prices offered here for O-Cha's green tea as I can taste and smell the quality of the teas. I know it has been said before, but thanks Kevin for offering these teas. I plan on ordering some Miyabi and Midori, and also continuing to drink the Otsuusan.

I have another question regarding the Otsuusan. The teas at O-Cha are usually packaged within a short time from when they are ordered, you say usually 1 to 2 weeks. How does this work with the Otsuusan tea from the Tsuen Tea Shop since they are a tea shop. I am assuming they have this on the shelf for purchase as individuals come in to the store? Is this how it is done, or some different way? I am just curious as to how this works?

Thanks

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 926 Location: Japan

I pick up the phone, order, and they are at my door usually within 24 hours. Their teas are completely fresh. They have Japanese tourists coming into their shop everyday and you can believe they have to have fresh tea on hand. They don't package it in the shop however, they have another site where they do that.

lafost2 · Brown Belt Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 54

Thanks for such a quick response Kevin. Yes, that makes sense. The Otsuusan is good Very Happy