Silken Greens

Silken Greens is a 2025 Horai Kincha Samaya Golden Sencha and is a single cultivar sencha known for its exceptionally sweet, rich umami flavor and brilliant golden-green liquor, offering a unique profile that is often compared to a sweeter, fuller-bodied gyokuro.

Flavor Profile

This sencha offers a complex and memorable tasting experience, balancing sweet and savory notes without the typical astringency or bitterness sometimes associated with other green teas.

• Aroma: The dry leaves have a deep, rich aroma often described as being like macadamia nuts. When brewed, a sweet green and nutty aroma is present.
• Taste: The initial taste is notably sweet, almost like candy, with a rich, thick, and broth-like mouthfeel. It presents significant umami (savory) notes, which some reviewers liken to seaweediness, balanced with a fresh, clean character. Hints of cooked peas or sweet corn may also be present.
• Finish: The tea has a long-lasting and flavorful finish. As it cools, subtle fruity notes, specifically reminiscent of crisp green apples or general fruitiness, tend to emerge.
• Astringency/Bitterness: Reviewers note an absence of unpleasant bitterness or harsh astringency when brewed correctly, a testament to its quality and higher amino acid content.

Appearance and Characteristics

• Liquor Color: The brewed tea (liquor) is a brilliant, slightly cloudy, golden-green or yellow color, a unique characteristic that gives the tea its "Golden" name.
• Leaves: The pale-colored, thin, and needle-like leaves almost give the appearance of a gyokuro.
• Cultivar: It is made from the rare, single-cultivar Horai Kincha (also known as Sayama Kaori or Kogane Midori).
• Experience: Due to its high amino acid content and rich umami, it can be a great option even for those who might not typically enjoy more vegetal senchas.

Brewing Tips

This tea can be delicate to prepare to achieve optimal flavor.

• Water Temperature: Lower water temperatures (e.g., 55°C - 75°C) and shorter steep times are generally recommended to maximize sweetness and umami while avoiding any potential bitterness.
• Infusions: It is known to yield multiple enjoyable infusions, with some enthusiasts reporting distinct taste through up to nine separate infusions.
• Cold Brew: The profile of this tea is also well-suited for cold brewing, which can further enhance its smoother, less astringent qualities.