Gyokuro “Houou – Phoenix”, Bikouen – Kyoto, Rich, Complex and Sweet Taste

Description

ORIGIN & HARVEST TIME

Japan, Kyoto, Uji; 2021, autumn (lates release)

CHARACTER

Entry-level Kyoto gyokuro in terms of price, but it’s not far behind the two dragon teas in terms of experience, especially if you only consider the first extra infusion. Rich, complex, sweet and all the other gyokuro markers can safely line up here too. No edge of bitterness shows, quite a bit tart, as it should. Of course, the water you make it with will be crucial… It’s also great for getting to know… of course, choose the softest water possible. The tea is offered and recommended in its original 100 gram bag, but is also available in 30 and 50 gram measured portions.

The Bikouen tea house in Kyoto, which mainly offers high quality matcha teas, also maintains a not very wide but remarkable selection of looseleaf teas. The Bikouen tea house was founded in 1872. They are the official matcha suppliers to the Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji buddhist temples in Kyoto, and now also to the Flying Bird tea house in Budapest. They are also associated with the Yabunouchi tea school, which is the oldest surviving tea school and one of the four major chanoyu schools in Kyoto.

DOSAGE & BREWING GUIDELINE

6g+200 ml.

With water at 40-50-60-70 degrees, first 2-3 minutes, then 3-4 more times in 20-30 second infusions, constantly increasing the temperature of the water.