This is the flavour I always associated with “green tea”… and the reason I never really enjoyed it much. For awhile there I was thinking, hey green tea isn’t so bad, it must have been the jasmine that was throwing me off! but no, now I remember… it’s the plain sencha’s that threw me off. I’ll try the genmaicha later and see if that fares any better.
Overall, the quality is not terrible, but it certainly does not appeal to me in any way except for when it cools and there is a sweet, yet incredibly tart finish. The nuttiness that emerges just prior is nice as well, but needs to be stronger for any lasting impression to form.
Otherwise, it leaves me mildly nauseous and craving that added complexity I so love in other teas. I could see this one being served in a restaurant- bland enough to go with most any food.
So: Points for the acceptable quality leaf, and surprising finish (but only half because it’s absent when hot) and points for nutty flavour (but half because it lacks any punch) BUT negative points for nausea and a generally boring profile.
I will not be purchasing this again.
Comments
I love green tea but mostly avoid sencha, it doesn’t really appeal to me either. Gunpowder green might work for you, if you haven’t tried that yet – it’s much more complex and soothing.
I think I’ve tried it but can’t be sure… I’ve heard it’s quite metallic in flavour. I was thinking maybe gunpowder taffy from Davids
Has your experience with green tea been mostly Japanese greens? You mentioned you liked nuttiness, which is very characteristic of many Chinese greens. Oftentimes people are divided in the green tea spectrum. If you don’t like sencha, I’d stay away from Japanese tea and delve into Chinese territory – you might be pleasantly surprised.
I love green tea but mostly avoid sencha, it doesn’t really appeal to me either. Gunpowder green might work for you, if you haven’t tried that yet – it’s much more complex and soothing.
I think I’ve tried it but can’t be sure… I’ve heard it’s quite metallic in flavour. I was thinking maybe gunpowder taffy from Davids
Has your experience with green tea been mostly Japanese greens? You mentioned you liked nuttiness, which is very characteristic of many Chinese greens. Oftentimes people are divided in the green tea spectrum. If you don’t like sencha, I’d stay away from Japanese tea and delve into Chinese territory – you might be pleasantly surprised.
I think you’re right Brittany- Dragonwell seems to be a green I really enjoy so it seems I lean more towards the Chinese side!
It makes much more sense now!!