Monday, July 9, 2012

Gyokuro brewing experiment




As I mentioned in the last entry, I’m looking for a new brewing recipe.  I want a milder flavor compared to the current recipe that I have, and the combinations that I could think of are the following: “A” and “B”.


A: Less leaf, More water
B: Higher temp., Shorter time
C: ?
Leaf
3g / 0.11oz
3g / 0.11oz
-
Water
30ml / 1.1oz
30ml / 1.1oz
-
Temp
45C / 113F
55C / 131F
-
Time
2min
1.5min
-



“B” has a slightly more bitterness in the aftertaste than “A”.  However, they basically have a similar flavor, and they are a little weaker than I expected.  Based upon the results, I decided the third mixture, “C”.


A
B
C
Leaf
3g / 0.01oz
3g / 0.11oz
4g / 0.14oz
Water
30ml / 1.1oz
30ml / 1.1oz
30ml / 1.1oz
Temp
45C /113F
55C / 131F
40C / 104F
Time
2min
1.5min
1.5min



I got a much better result with “C”.  It has more impressed and distinct flavor with good umami and it also has a smooth taste.  However, I honestly think that something is still missing, and I know that I can improve it more.  Today, I had too much tea and can’t pursue farther tests.  I want to try it next time.  Nevertheless, so far “C” has provided me great satisfaction and is pleasing to my palate.

7 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks! It came with a water cooler and five cups. But, the water cooler is only big enough for two cups. I wonder why it is not for five cups?? Hahaha.

      Delete
  2. This makes me want to do some more testing with my gyokuro today haha. Of course different gyokuro will need different recipes for the best brew, here is mine: 3.5g, 30ml, 50C, 1.5min. Very balanced grasiness and umami, with a hint of grapefruit. Also, sometimes a tea will really shine during the 2nd brew of the tea using less time than the 1st.

    Good luck with finding your perfect recipe for your gyokuro :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! I’m sometimes delighted with the excellence of the second brew. Just when I get such excellent one, I’m not taking a note of the recipe. Hahaha (^^;;

      Delete
  3. I'm happy to re-read this again. My local tea store made gyokuro for me, and it was so bitter! I like bitter things, but to know the flavour can change based only on something like water temperature is amazing. Now, I have to try it myself!

    Ookini! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It’s nice that you have a place where you can try gyokuro. But, gyokuro should not be so bitter. I hope you can find the flavor that you like.

      Kochirakoso, ookini for stopping by!

      Delete
  4. Hi, I'm Spanish and I follow your blog for some time, especially on gyokuro entries. I've been testing cold, but I prefer the traditional way. Did you get better than C? Could you give me time and temperature for the second and third infusion?
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete