This competition winning Gyokuro was submitted to the National Tea Competition of Japan for 2023. Teas are scored for appearance, aroma, and color. Most of the top scoring spots in these competitions are taken by the early budding Saemidori varietal due to the long, soft tea leaves it produces. Gokou teas rarely place high due to their thicker leaves harvested later in the season. Nevertheless, this batch of tea is considered to be amongst the top tier of commercially available Gyokuros. There is a remarkable clarity to the brew, alongside the rich umami and sea vegetable flavors Gyokuro is known for. We also taste subtle fruity and floral hints. This is a real treat which we were able to import a very small amount of.

Originating in the 1950’s in Uji, Japan, the Gokou tea varietal is used primarily for Gyokuro and Match. This single-field lot was also hand-picked, unlike the majority of Gyokuro teas on the market, and is harvested only once in the Spring. As a result, we find that it is especially pungent and sweet, with a high concentration of L-theanine in the brewed tea.

Origin - Kyoto, Japan

Location - Kyōtanabe (京田辺市)

Harvest - Spring 2023

Tastes Like - Strawberries, Nori, Sage, Lilac Juice