Sencha
Takaki Okuhikari

Contest Grade 99 P.

SKU
0145
Sencha of the highest quality from the renowned tea village of Hoshino, located in the legendary terroir of Yame in Fukuoka, Japan. Masterfully cultivated by Mr Takaki, this exceptional Sencha reveals a silky texture and sweet notes reminiscent of fresh grass. A composition of such finesse, it embodies the very essence of the Yame Sencha tradition. 40g
Character Virtually flawless, silky texture, hardly bitter, light mouthfeel with sweet grassy notes, the epitome of the highest-quality Sencha from Yame
Tea Farm Master Takaki is a nationally renowned and multi-award-winning, fourth generation tea farmer
Terroir Hoshino, Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Harvest 1st harvest (Ichibancha), early May 2024
Cultivar Okuhikari
Elevation 250m above sea level
Steaming Fukamushi (approx. 60 seconds)
Shading None
Cultivation Conventional
Laboratory Tests Radioactivity (region last 11/2019)
Awards Multiple award-winning tea and tea farm at the highest-level competitions (including 1st place MAFF Award, 1st place Nihoncha Award)
Grade 99/100 P. (Sencha category); Contest Grade
€52.90
40g

Delivery : up to 5 business days

Incl. VAT, excl. shipping

SKU
0145
€1,322.50 / 1kg
In stock
Sencha Takaki Okuhikari Sencha Takaki Okuhikari Sencha Takaki Okuhikari Sencha Takaki Okuhikari

Tea Farm

Akihito Takaki is a nationally renowned, multi-award-winning, fourth generation Gyokuro farmer. His tea is cultivated according to the highest standards and processed directly on site. The leaves are handled only with the utmost care: from cultivation and attentive nurturing during growth, to hand-picking and gentle drying after the harvest. Only the finest, long, and unbroken needles are selected for use.

Sencha Takaki Okuhikari

Character & Aroma

Tasting Notes

An virtually flawless Sencha, whose surprisingly clear infusion evokes the finest Chinese green teas and exudes a quiet elegance. With its silky texture and an almost complete absence of bitterness, it unfolds gentle notes of morning dew and moist grass in a particularly graceful manner. Its subtle, grassy sweetness has a refreshing and invigorating effect, enhanced by the precise composition and feather-light mouthfeel. A restrained yet characterful Sencha that impressively reflects the very essence of Yame’s finest teas.

Leaf

Fine, dark green Sencha needles with a high proportion of broken leaf material (due to deep steaming, fukamushi), thin green with a slight lustre

Cup

Clear infusion, light green with a slight hint of yellow

Sencha Takaki Okuhikari Sencha Takaki Okuhikari

Sencha

Sencha is by far the most commonly cultivated and consumed green tea in Japan and constitutes the backbone of Japanese tea traditions. The leaves are typically steamed for 10–60 seconds, dried with hot air, agitated, and via a multi-staged process rolled into flat needles. The flavour profile of Sencha is very diverse and varies between sweet, fresh and grassy to robustly bitter. The region of cultivation as well as quality of the tea play a significant role in determining flavour.

Yoshien Labortests

Laboratory Tests

We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Likewise, the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.

Yoshien

Yoshi En

Premium Organic Teas

Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.

Cultivation & Processing

Special features in location, cultivation and processing

Surrounded by the picturesque natural landscape of the renowned Gyokuro village of Hoshino in Yame are the tea fields of Mr Takaki. The mountainous Hoshino region is widely celebrated for its deep, full-bodied Gyokuros, which – shaped by centuries of tea tradition and the outstanding craftsmanship of seasoned tea farmers – mature each year into nationally acclaimed, top-tier teas.

Mr Takaki devotes himself to the processing of his teas with great care and dedication: from the gentle tending of the plants during their growth, to the meticulous hand-harvesting of his Hon Gyokuros, and finally the careful drying process after harvest. For his Senchas and Gyokuros, he selects only the finest tea leaves to ensure an exceptional standard of quality.

The composition of the soil, with its high proportion of small stones, provides excellent drainage and thus promotes the healthy growth of the tea plants. This is further supported by the Hoshino River, which flows through the village and, with its moist air and frequent mists, creates ideal climatic conditions.

Yields of his exquisite teas are extremely limited – only a few kilograms are produced each year, making every one of his teas a treasured rarity.

Single Origin

This tea comes 100% from the above-mentioned tea field in Hoshino. Sourced directly from the tea farmer.

Preparation

Brewing Guide

3 heaped teaspoons (approx. 7g), 60 °C, 100–300 ml, steep for 2 minutes

A particularly gentle infusion that preserves valuable amino acids and vitamin C, while remaining mild in bitterness. Suitable for up to four further infusions, each with a steeping time of 10–30 seconds (we recommend increasing the temperature to 70–80 °C for subsequent infusions).

Alternatively, the following preparation methods may be used:
• 70 °C, 1.5 min: A balance of fresh and deep notes, intense, slightly bitter, brings out the catechins and caffeine (a balance of relaxation and vitality)
• 80 °C, 1 min: Umami and sweetness in the background, deep grassy notes, pleasantly hot drinking temperature, moderate bitterness, emphasises the catechins and caffeine (invigorating)

Packaging

Packed in a particularly high-quality, airtight flavour-preserving bag with zipper and stand-up base. A 9-fold coating ensures maximum protection against contaminants.

Recommended Tea Pot

Ideal is a Banko Kyusu made from 100% original purple Banko clay. This special clay, when fired in reduction, brings out the unique flavour components of Gyokuro including its amino acids and chlorophyll. Vintage Kyusus made before 1990 could still be made entirely from original clay sourced from the Banko region, now a rarity. Alternatively, a high-quality Shiboridashi without a handle, popular among Gyokuro enthusiasts, is also suitable for infusions rich in umami.

Recommended Tea Caddy

We recommend a high-quality tea caddy made from cherry bark (solid wood, Kabazaiku Chazutsu) or an elegant, handcrafted Kaikado metal tea caddy, especially to keep the tea fresh for a longer amount of time. As a more affordable alternative, an airtight tea caddy with an inner coating is also an excellent option.

Our recommendations

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