Country of Origin: Japan
Leaf Appearance: dark green, glossy needles
Water Temperature: 140 degrees
Steep Time: 1 minute
Preparation Method: Tokaname kyusu
Liquor: pale green
The tea stash is finally almost under control, so I treated myself to a pre-order of a shincha sampler from Yunomi this year. If you’re looking to try some high-quality Japanese green teas, this is a great way to try offerings from different producers without a huge commitment. This tea was among the selections that I received in that sampler. It was harvested in Kyoto in early May and refined by the Nishide Tea Factory.
Leaf
The dry leaves of Yunomi Nishide 2025 Uji Shincha Hatsutsumi Imperial were dark green and glossy with a fine, needle-like shape. They had a fresh, somewhat grassy aroma. I prepared this tea in a Tokoname kyusu using Yunomi’s recommended parameters of 140℉ water and an infusion time of 1 minute. That was increased to 176℉ for the second infusion with a steep time of 10 seconds, and 185℉ for the third round with a steep time of 45 seconds.
Liquor
Yunomi Nishide 2025 Uji Shincha Hatsutsumi Imperial brewed up a pale green liquor (that my camera read as more yellow). The taste was buttery and sweet with a noticeably thick mouthfeel. There was a subtle grassiness as well as notes of honeydew melon with a prominent umami in the finish. It was like drinking spring in a cup! There was no bitterness at all. The second infusion was more vegetal and less sweet but still quite smooth. My third round had a slight astringency, but never became unpleasant. It had a brothy, soup-like quality.
Have you tried Yunomi Nishide 2025 Uji Shincha Hatsutsumi Imperial? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Nishide 2025 Uji Shincha Hatsutsumi Imperial purchased from Yunomi.
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