Single Cultivar Sencha Yamakai LIMITED QUANTITY
Yamakai, meaning "Mountain Ravine," is a unique cultivar developed in 1935 at the Shizuoka Agricultural Laboratory. A cross between Yabukita and an unknown variety, it was officially named in 1967 but never registered. Known for its fine, diamond-shaped leaves and brilliant green color, Yamakai offers a bold character that tea enthusiasts will adore for its sharp, complex aroma and distinctive flavor.
Our single-cultivar sencha Yamakai was grown by the Shitoro Tea Agricultural Cooperative in Shimada, Shizuoka. The tea’s vibrant leaves and refined aroma reflect the rich terroir of the region. Yamakai offers a distinctive and expressive cup, beginning with aromas of pineapple, shortbread, and a subtle marine freshness. The deep green leaf produces an opaque, muted forest-green liquor with a smooth, medium-bodied umami character and barely noticeable astringency. Its flavor unfolds with savory notes of sourdough, zenmai (fiddlehead fern), and artichoke, complemented by a delicate hint of tobacco. Complex yet approachable, Yamakai showcases the unique character and depth that make this cultivar so captivating.
HOT BREW PREPARATION
| 2 tsp (5g) | 6 oz water | 175°F | 60 sec |