Gyokuro green tea (which means "jade dew"), from Adagio Teas is a nice quality and delivers a fine cup for the price!
The flat dark green leaves do look a lot like Sencha, but one of the major differences is that this tea is grown in the shade, where as Sencha is grown in the sun!
There is really no need to spend a lot of money elsewhere on more expensive varieties since this version gives the drinker a full flavored and decent quality brew. Now while die-hard Japanese green tea drinkers will search wide and hard for truly unique Gyokuro green tea, for starters this isn't a bad place to begin the journey.
So, how does it taste?
Well, to be honest, I haven't really compared it to the $1000-a-pound varieties that are out there, so I really don't have a place to set the bar. But I'm assuming this version probably offers a flavor and quality that falls somewhere in the middle.
This tea consists of tiny needle-like loose leaves that once steeped yields a medium-bodied cup that isn't too strong or vegetal. The beverage also has a fair balance of sweet nutty nuances that sits nicely on the palate. However, it isn't a mild tea but does remain quiet smooth. I did not find it as grassy as Sencha either.
Once again, seasoned Gyokuro drinkers may seek something with more distinctive character, but for first-timers to this variety, Adagio's Gyokuro green tea should please most folks. Also, it is easier on the wallet/purse too! $1000 a pound is no exaggeration! Some of the rarest can actually cost that much! "Google" it!
This green tea is one of Japan's finest, and unlike its cousin Sencha, it spends the last part of its life shielded from the sun by special tarps which give the leaves a darker color along with a taste that is also more rich and slightly sweeter than Sencha.
So, although there are many sub-varieties offered both on and off the net, I recommend folks give Adagio's version a go. For starting at around $8 dollars for approx.half an ounce, you can't go wrong.
