Gyokuro Imperial

I’ve only had this tea prepared as per the recommendation of Teavana, which is steeped for 45 seconds in 175F water. After reading some of the reviews of other Steepsters, I think I’m going to try it for 2 minutes, especially in the morning as a replacement for my morning coffee.

Yes, when I first sampled this coffee, it definitely reminded me of fresh cut grass. I actually thought that was an indication of poor quality. But to the contrary, this tea has become my favorite green tea thus far. I’ve only had it by itself, but I think it would complement a dim sum dish very nicely.

It is pricey, but one of the more flavorful and authentic green teas that are available through the Teavana brand.

I’m rather new to the green tea scene, but I know that this tea blew me away. If brewed with care, this tea has this incredible vegetal taste that is not overpowering but actually pretty smooth. The leaves are this beautiful dark green color that leave the tea almost a vibrant greenish-yellow. It is good with rock sugar but I prefer it with Teavana’s Organic Volcano White Honey. I also like it hot or iced. I haven’t had the heart to try it blended with other types of tea since I enjoy it so much alone, but I bet it would make interesting blends. Despite the higher price tag, I’ve been able to re-use the tea 3 times, with later steeps tasting better than the first.

The aroma of the leaf in the tin is vegtal, but also rich, almost buttery. It yields a mild cup that is green, but not the professed emerald green on the label (which I have seen in other brands). It is gentle and grassy on the first infusion, and sweeter on the second.

The brewing instructions on my package called for 175 degrees for 30-45 seconds, however, I found the resulting infusion too weak, and increased the time to 90 seconds, which was sufficient without any trace of bitterness.

Hands down the best green tea I’ve had. Light and grassy and not at all bitter (as long as it gets only a quick steep, that is). I’m definitely partial to Japanese greens, but suspect this would be well liked by anyone who enjoys green tea in general.

I love the gentle taste of this tea. One of the best tasting teas I have had.

Best green tea I have ever tasted! This is naturally sweet with a great grassy bite to it and a smoothness that is just wonderful. The smell alone makes me happy! Absolutely a must for everyone. I find this tea usually makes people fall in love with the Japanese greens. Can be re-infused.

I recently found this tea where it had been forgotten for some time; fortunately it was in a Teavana zippered pouch. I’m drinking it as I write. It’s light, vegetal, grassy, and very refined. Even though it’s a few years old, it has held up well. And no artificial or “natural” flavorings in this one; just pure green tea. Lovely.

The thing about this tea is that you have to make sure you steep it right. I fail at it frequently and will often forget to lower the temperature on my kettle and end up ruining it. If you’re not burning it or letting it steep forever, it’s not astringent at all. You just have to be careful. You can get about three cups from one tea bag. This is one of my favourite teas, and I’m sad to see it go. I bought over a pound of it before Teavana closed, and I’m lucky it’s still good since I’m not going through it nearly fast enough. It’s difficult to balance not wanting to run out with not wanting it to go stale.

One of the best Japanese green teas I’ve ever tasted. While this tea tends to err on the pricier side I find the cost worth it. This is not a tea I drink daily as it would be too expensive. However I served it to a Japanese gust today, so I took the liberty of re-steeping it for myself later. These tea leaves are not a one-steep and done tea. These leaves are actually good enough to steep two and three times. It requires a little bit longer steep time (1st: 2 mins, 2nd: 4-5 mins, 3rd: 6-5 mins).

I steeped this in my clay Yixing Travel Tea Tumbler (made by Teavana) and I can’t wait to season the clay with my favorite tea :)
Debating on brewing the Kyoto Organic Cherry Green Tea in it as well, but I don’t want the floral hints to throw off the seasoning of the clay.

Overall this is by far my most valued and favorite tea in my cupboard.

Grassy. Not a hard in your face grassy or a this is bitter but I still like it grassy. It has a slightly sweet (Japanese sweet not American sweet) shade to it.