Drinking this tea this afternoon to keep the energy levels consistent. The first few times that I made this tea I really didn’t like it to be quite honest. It was bearably bitter and extremely vegetal. There was a very quiet note of sweetness and ever since noticing that sweetness I’ve been trying to bring that flavor out even more. I’ve tried various amounts of tea, steep times, and steep temperatures in the attempt to get it right. Today I believe I have found a formula that works for my palate.
I brew in a 12 oz mug and use 1.5 tsps of tea leaf. I steep this tea for 2 minutes (really exact timing is essential) at 170º. The sweetness of the tea is still a bit hidden but it comes out more on the second steep. However, the bitterness and vegetal flavors have subsided a bit using this formula. I notice more of a balance in flavors rather than very distinct notes all vying for my attention. This formula has enabled me to raise my rating but not as high as other teas still because I just don’t know if this is the right sencha for me.
Haha, it was the same for me. It took me a while before I finally enjoyed Sencha.