This sample is was most likely from last years crop. It was still an excellent tea but probably not as good as the fresh stuff would be.
According to O-Cha’s website this tea is a cross between Yabukita and Asa Tsuyu varieties and grown in southern Kagoshima. I made this tea in kyusu using 175 degree water and 45 second steepings. The dry leaves were small and slender with a deep forest green color. Even before steeping they had a strong grassy aroma. The liquor was a cloudy yellow-green.
This tea is deeply vegetal, both in aroma and taste. It was naturally sweet, almost reminding me of fresh baby spinach. There was very little astringency. I love a tea that is mild but savory and flavorful at the same time and this one certainly fits the bill. I would definitely recommend this tea.