Sencha green tea is a Japanese green tea that translates to several meanings, like "common tea", "roasted tea", or "o-cha".
Adagio offers two versions of this tea, Overture and Premier, Premier being of higher quality. Premier also costs double the price than Overture and provides more of those unique characteristics that the more expensive early spring Sencha green tea varieties are known for, granted you brew it correctly.
This is important! Especially considering the fact you spent good money for it!
The Flavor
The beverage has a nice nutty aroma and vegetal/grassy taste. It brews a lime green cup and leaves a nice aftertaste on your palate. The tea may seem a little bitter and slightly fuzzy at first, but more perfected brews will limit the cause.
Also, for folks who are not accustomed to the taste of green tea, this Japanese green tea might be a little too grassy, but for more experienced drinkers who favor this complex taste and depth, this variety should please.
Some customer reviews on Adagio Teas state that it really isn't that different than the less expensive Overture variety, but I feel that there is just a slight boost in quality. Is that boost worth double the price? Well, maybe not for some, but for those with a sensitive palate maybe you can hone in on more of the subtle nuances that may differ between the two.
Having said that and as stated above, brewing this tea is key to a great cup! Sencha green tea can sometimes be a bit tricky, and if you take your attention away from the steeping time, you'll ruin it.
First, do not add boiling water! Add steaming water, anywhere between 175 and 185 degree...no hotter!
Second, steep for only 2 minutes to 2 ½ minutes, no longer. I know the tin instructs 3 minutes, but it really should be less than that. Three minutes tends to make this tea go a little bitter and/or fuzzy.
For a mug-sized cup, add around a heaping teaspoon.
Even though it may take several attempts to get it just right, this Premier variety from Adagio is a fine Japanese tea worth putting in your cart. However, if you're undecided, there are other Japanese green tea varieties available that are easier to prepare like "Kukicha", or the exotic "Genmai cha".
