Shincha Kumpu - Day 3

1st Infusion Parameters: 7.78g, 60z. water, 188F, 60s

1st Infusion: This infusion was a darker shade of yellow/green and not as radiant as some of the other first infusions for this tea. The flavor was thick and strong with a sense of seaweed to it. The flavor's thickness and richness reminded me of a gyokuro. It had a slight bitterness to it and the flavor felt smooth all around.

2nd Infusion Parameters: 160F, 6oz, 30s

2nd Infusion: This was a more appropriate sencha flavor. The flavor was rich smooth, but not thick like the first infusion. It had a very tangy bitterness to it, but no astringency. The flavor felt very short and crisp to the tongue. A very stark contrast to the smooth flavor of the first infusion.

3rd Infusion Parameters: 148F, 45s

3rd Infusion: This infusion had the light and clear color again. The flavor felt like it was concentrated on the back of the mouth and tongue. It had a light sense of astringency, and d a very light feel to it. It felt light, but the tea was very bodied. My mouth felt filled with this light flavor.

4th Infusion Parameters: 145F, 45s

4th Infusion: This had a very light and clear color to it. The flavor was light to match. It was quite apparent that the tea had run its course at this point.

Rating: 9/10

Conclusion: So after 3 very different sessions with this tea, I found myself having enjoyed the tasting, but did not think that this tea was quite as good as it could be. The flavors varied, but was always enjoyable. The common theme throughout all of the tastings though was that the tea had a light flavor to it, you could increase leaf to compensate for it, but doing so lost a bit of the nuance of this tea. If you are looking for a light and crisp shincha though, this is definitely your candidate. This tea was delicate for sure.