Fukamushi Yamata (First Flush), Japanese Green Tea
This deep steamed sencha (fukamushi sencha) is from the Fuji area of Shizuoka, Japan. It was harvested during the 1st flush season. It is the most unique type of fukamushi tea we tasted all year. The high quality tea material is very similar to Fukamushi Marumura but the final drying and aroma fixation method is very different. This tea is a great example of a sencha with strong "hika" or roasting aroma. The tea is very rich in body and color. Its deep flavor becomes even more robust when coupled with the intense nutty aroma and sweet finish this tea offers. Our tea taster says he chose this tea to represent the highly technical art of Japanese tea re-drying that provides such a pronounced, high heat, nutty aroma while keeping the green infusion color of the tea. Many high heat, re-roasted teas suffer from carbonized or burned defect or the natural green infusion color is radically altered by heat. This tea offers a perfect re-roasted aroma and vivid green infusion at the same time. Fukamushi Yamata has a very strong yet smooth flavor, low astringency and a refreshing, stimulating energy. It has a superb balance of umami and sharp bittersweetness highlighted by a heady aroma of roasted peanut. The first brew and second brew are sure to satisfy advanced tea tasters.
Water: 158°F / Leaves: 1 Tablespoon (8 grams) per 8 ounces / First infusion: 35-45 seconds. Second Infusion: 10-15 seconds/ Ingredients: Green tea. / Origin: Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
