I don’t think that there are many places
where one can have gyokuro. I had the chance of having gyokuro at Gyokuro-no-sato, a tourist
spot. You pass through a classic gate. You can enjoy the beholding sceneries like the
soothing-to-the-eyes pond and the eye-catching green maples, which will
definitely amuse you as you walk on the steppingstones approaching the tea
house.
We were lead to a large room, and tea wares
were displayed there. But, they didn’t
prepare tea in that room. Tea was
prepared in another room, and a staff brought in confectionary and tea.
The staff told us to have the sweets after
we enjoy the first serving of tea. Did
you know that you enjoy sweets first at the tea ceremony for matcha, but with gyokuro or sencha, you
usually enjoy the tea first? I think
that it makes sense when you consider the thickness of the teas, and it is the
best way to relish both tea and sweets.
The served gyokuro was absolutely my taste.
Its roundness was perfect and it smoothly wet my mouth. Moreover, it had an exquisite balance in
flavor. In preparing gyokuro, brewing conditions have huge impact
to the taste. This tea was slightly
lighter than the tea I usually prepare. It
reminds me that this way of brewing is also excellent.
More amount of water was definitely used when
compared with the way I do it. Fewer
leaves might have been used, and the temperature must have been pretty low as
mine. I’m not sure for the brewing
time. I’ll have to try some combinations
myself. I’ll get into finding a good recipe
at home for a while, haha.
It is good to have tea out. It inspires me!
|
The second serving came in a small teapot |