Gyokuro, known as (Precious) Jade Dew Drop, has a pale green, almost clear infusion color with a very thick flavor and mouthfeel. It has extreme umami and sweet flavors without bitterness or astringency. The flavor of Gyokuro is developed by artisan farming techniques of shading the sun’s light and providing specific nutrition geared toward the tea bush variety and its stressed growing condition.
This tea was chosen by us to serve at our sencha-do ceremonies at the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. Secret Garden is harvested from Goko tea bushes cultivated in Kytonabe, near Uji, in Japan's Kyoto Prefecture. The Goko varietal is noted as having the highest content of amino acids and L-theanine of all Japan's tea cultivars and commands the highest price level for Gyokuro Aracha. The Secret Garden blend is made by a 4th generation Gyokuro and Matcha artisan named Mr. Horri-san who combines multiple vintages to make his signature, top class Gyokuro for us every year.
The 2010 batch has strong umami taste and a thick, rich body with a savory and sweet after taste. Notes of fresh pine and a hint of fruit and kombu make this tea a one of a kind. Use a ho-hin or kyuusu teapot. Water temperature between 170°F-175°F is perfect for this years batch. Using an ample amount of leaf will yield 3-4 rich brews w/ the proper brewing method.
