Sencha Koshun Superior

Fine, dark-green needle-shaped leaves release an inviting bouquet of floral and fresh vegetal aromas when warmed in the brewing vessel. Once infused, the wet leaves reveal a fragrant combination of flowers, green vegetables, and delicate hints of almond. The first infusion offers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. On the palate, notes of blanched green vegetables are complemented by creamy nuances reminiscent of coconut milk and a gentle floral character. The overall impression is one of remarkable harmony and balance. From the second infusion onward, distinct notes of almond and rose water move to the foreground, accompanied by an elegant sweetness that lingers pleasantly on the finish.

Cultivated on an organic farm and grown without the use of pesticides, this tea reflects a careful and sustainable approach to tea production. Unlike many other senchas that lean heavily toward umami, Sencha Koshun Superior captivates through its distinctive aroma and exceptional balance. 

Compared to its sibling tea, Sencha Inzatsu, made by the same producer using the same processing methods just one day apart, the influence of the cultivar becomes particularly evident. While both teas share remarkable depth and complexity, Sencha Koshun Superior presents a lighter, more silky mouthfeel. At the same time, it feels creamier and more harmonious, offering an elegant balance between vegetal, creamy, floral, and nutty aromas.

Written by Karsten

The cultivar

Koshun (香駿) is a cultivar developed in Shizuoka in 1970 through a cross between Kurasawa and Kanayamidori, and officially registered in 2000. Its name combines the character for fragrance (ka, 香) with that of the historic Suruga Province (shun, 駿), reflecting both its origin and its celebrated aromatic qualities. Renowned for its sweet, floral, and citrus-like fragrance alongside a light and refreshing flavor profile, Koshun has become one of Japan's most highly regarded aromatic green tea cultivars and remains a favorite among tea enthusiasts seeking elegance, complexity, and refinement.

Here you can find Gabriele's thoughts on this tea, including a comparison with our new Sencha Inzatsu from the same producer: