First time trying kamairicha

Original from my Amazon review:

This was my first time trying kamairicha and it’s definitely a unique experience compared to sencha or gyokuro. Unlike most Japanese green teas, which are steamed, this one is pan-fired (not pan-FRIED like I originally read), giving it a light roasted aroma in the dry leaves. After brewing, the roasted scent fades, and it smells fresh and grassy, closer to sencha.

I looked up what it tasted like beforehand and some descriptions mentioned a nutty taste, but that wasn't the case for me. The flavour is smooth, with a subtle lingering aftertaste and a refreshing, clean finish. It’s a bit difficult to describe, but it leaves a light, drying sensation that makes each sip feel crisp. The tea is made from the Samidori cultivar in Uji, Kyoto, which I found out is usually used for high-end gyokuro and matcha. That might explain the different taste profile and premium pricing.

The brewed colour is a slightly golden green, though it appears more vibrant in person than in my lighting. The leaves after brewing look great, large, whole, and a deep green, much better quality than the broken leaves you find in lower-grade teas.

It’s a nice tea and a unique addition to my collection. Definitely worth trying if you’re looking for something different from the usual steamed Japanese greens, that after-taste alone is worth the experience.

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Post-Amazon:

I finished the pack yesterday, absolutely my most favourite tea in recent memory. I went to take a look for more but it looks like that's the only one on Amazon right now, will be looking at other stores.