Organic Sencha Green & White | Long Life Teas | Specialty Teas

Maura -Having tried their standard blotted Oolongs and Senchas, I can say that there is a little bit of a difference in the taste; the flavor is a little bit more condensed in these, and I think there's a slightly different tea-to-water ratio. I do agree that I think it's a bit of a repackage of the Japanese versions (because I've tried the Japanese versions of these from Asian supermarkets in the area), but I'm still a supporter of the cause behind this effort competing against those nasty canned energy drinks by bringing a healthier tea-based alternative to the American market.While I'm fortunate enough to live in LA, where I can get the imported Japanese teas pretty easily, I know there are a lot of people who don't have that luxury, and I think this is a good way for Ito En to get their products out into the US market. I'm sure Kirin is attempting to do the same!Also, Ito En has a new golden oolong in their Teas' Teas line that I'm going to be trying out soon. I'll try to get my hands on a Kirin golden oolong for comparison. (Any excuse to go to Little Tokyo!)

I am a genuine coffeeholic and not a particular fan of any tea, but we were served this tea recently in a restaurant and it is absolutely delicious. I have no idea what its long term benefits might be having only had it once, but I will buy and drink it simply for the mouth pleasure. On the other hand, my wife is a tea connoisseur but no particular fan of green teas and her immediate comment was, "this is a delicious tea."