Shino is a green tea I wasn’t expecting, in a good way! I drink Many Japanese green teas that tend to be in the Sencha or Gyokuro processing style, not Shino. It brings a different perspective and new flavor profiles.
Shino is an award-winning competition-grade Kamairicha by Ikkyu. Kamairicha is pan-fried, which is part of the difference from other Japanese green teas, which tend to be steamed. The difference is noticeable in the cup that you sip!
In this post, you will learn more about Shino and its flavor profile.
Shino Dry:
This tea is simply a different type of Japanese green tea. From the pan-frying, you notice it is crisp to the touch. The color of Shino is dark green, which is interesting. It keeps its green color during processing but is a little darker, probably from the pan-frying finish. The leaves have a slightly rolled and needle-like structure. It has notes of popcorn, spinach, and almond, combined with subtle milky tones.
Shino Steeped:
You get to see the ripped and full leaves with some stems. The color is yellowish-green. Aromas change to onion grass, apple, moss, and kelp. The taste is exciting. It has a tang to it. I get peas, light moss, toast, and seaweed. There is no bitterness, but you get the tingle from astringency. On this rare occasion, you are treated to roasted notes in green tea, which I love. Shino also has a nutty tone and is bright and smooth. It gives you that minty, cool breath after sipping. It certainly is very refreshing, very green.
About The Farmer
Shino comes to us from Akizuki Kenji. It is produced in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture in Japan. Akizuki-san had retired from working in tea fields and factories but came out to form a group dedicated to making Saga-made Kamairicha. They saw the trend of Japanese green tea moving more into steaming rather than pan-firing, motivating them to work towards keeping the tradition of Kamairicha going. You read more on Ikkyu about Akizuki and his beautiful story, which includes earning 1st place in the Kamairicha category in the Japan National Tea Competition 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Want more green tea? Check out my Chiyo High-Grade Organic Sencha review!
Origin: Ureshino, Saga Prefecture
Preparation: I use about two teaspoons of tea, water at 170 degrees, and a one-minute first steep in my Kyusu. Subsequent steeps are around 1.5-2 minutes.
You can purchase this tea and many others on Ikkyu’s website!
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