A free sample included with my order. I believe the sample is 2023 shincha.
Edited to add that I think this tea is better steeped in a basket. I went heavier than usual 4g:300mL to finish off the sample, 160F for 1min. Practically no bitterness and the aroma is like a berries and cream candy with such a soft spinach vegetal component.
Aroma of pie crust with blueberry and raspberry jam, some boiled spinach as well. It is a soft and sweet scent. Body is medium with a little fish broth umami underpinning a bright and bitter haylike taste. The berry notes of the leaf and aroma release lightly on the swallow. Very dewy sweet aftertaste comes from the back of the mouth. A few small burps taste like the aroma. This is a nice tea and moves easily but the bitterness is off balance for my taste (perhaps this can be mitigated) and there is a catch in my throat. Good for 3 steeps in a small pot.
Yamakai cultivar is certainly unique and worth a try. This one is a great introduction at only ~$0.08/g, however, shipping fees must be taken into account.
Thank you, Thés du Japon!
Flavors: Berry, Bitter, Blueberry, Bright, Cream, Fish Broth, Fruity, Hay, Jam, Mint, Pastries, Raspberry, Spinach, Sugar, Sweet, Vegetal
