Country of Origin: Japan
Leaf Appearance: small, varied shades of green
Ingredients: sencha flavored with cherry blossom
Steep time: 3 minutes
Water Temperature: 170 degrees
Preparation Method: ceramic teacup
Liquor: gold
This tea was packaged in one of Le Palais des Thés’ beautiful muslin teabags. I always feel guilty throwing them away because they look so handmade. The flavoring was delicately floral and sweet but notes of cherry became stronger as it cooled. Underneath it all, the vegetal and somewhat nutty sencha still shined through. It had a soft mouth-feel and there was no bitterness or astringency to speak of. Some “sakura” type teas are too heavy on the cherry flavoring but this one was very nicely balanced. I think that it would make an amazing iced tea. I’ll definitely try it once the warmer weather gets here. I think I’ll be picking up loose leaf though since they sell it in a really pretty washi paper tin 🙂
You can find out more about this tea here.