Samidori by Kettle

Written By Brad Lichtenstein

Basic Information

Company: Kettl
Cultivar: Samidori, single
Grade: Ceremonial 
Location: Kyotanabe, Kyoto
Production Year: 2022
Producer: Shogyokuen tea company since 1827
Price: $60
Packaging: 20g canister
Preparation（薄茶 usucha or 濃茶koicha）Koicha

Company Description:

Our Kettl Editions program chronicles exclusive tencha selections that are imported directly from Japan and milled fresh on our traditional stone mill in Brooklyn. These offerings are unavailable anywhere else in the world and offer an unparalleled experience with freshness and flavor.

Hiroshi Kobayashi is one of the only level 10 tea appraisers in all of Japan, and the only one practicing in Kyoto. He now serves as the head of the Shogyokuen tea company, which has been operating in the Kyotanabe area since 1827. While Kobayashi san is a decorated tea blender, this 100% Samidori separation is a shining representation of his dedication to the craft of matcha production and the profile of this famed cultivar.

Look
Color: Vibrant vibrant Green

Foam: Since I made a koicha, there was little to no foam but so very delightfully thick

Smell
 Pre-whisked: This was so utterly fresh like a spring morning! Fresh, fresh, fresh!
Whisked: Also fresh but more muted.

Taste

Finish / Last: Interestingly this samidori took a few seconds to start a tingling in the front of my tongue which was alive and rich with umami.  What lingers even 5 minutes later is not quite umami

Texture: Surprisingly, while mostly smooth, I experienced a tiny bit of a coarseness throughout unrelated to shifting the matcha first which I did.

Body: As a koicha this was thick and creamy

As I meditate immediately afterwards, and while tasting my matcha, I found this cultivar very grounding and uplifting.

Brad Lichtenstein

Dr. Brad Lichtenstein believes in the power of breath to restore health and balance. As a naturopathic physician in private practice and a professor at Bastyr University for over two decades, Dr. Lichtenstein has helped people embody the lives they want to live. His approach integrates naturopathic medicine, mind-body medicine and biofeedback, depth & somatic psychology, Eastern contemplative practices, yoga and movement, bodywork and end-of-life care. He participated in a joint research study between the University of Washington and Bastyr University where he provided over 500 guided meditations to hospice patients.

Dr. Lichtenstein received his doctorate of naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University and is board certified in biofeedback. His articles have appeared in several publications and journals and he speaks nationally on topics ranging from stress-reduction, mindfulness and health, mind-body approaches to healing trauma, and issues surrounding end-of-life.

http://www.thebreathspace.com
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Misaki by Matchæologist