emiba wrote:
> Greetings and happy holidays.
>
> I was also looking for a recommendation. I'm curious if anybody knows
> of a reliable source for some quality Imperial Gyokuro. I have tried
> it from two different places. One source had a Gyokuro of questionable
> quality due to the vastness of the business in comparison to the rarity
> of the tea. The other was an independent tea shop in Savannah, but the
> Gyokuro seemed very mishandled. I gave them the benefit of the doubt
> and bought some, but after much experimentation, I can't get it to
> taste... good.
>
> Thanks!
> John Emiba

Not to burst any bubbles, but you'll never get any top quality Gyokuro.
Sorry to say, it costs a ton and is auctioned off instantly to massive
bids. For a number of years I had an inside connection and still only
managed to get second level Gyokuro and it cost an arm an a leg. That
being said you can get very good stuff from a number of places online.
Itoen, o-cha, uji all come to mind... but I'm sure there are more
places.

Gyokuro is very difficult, only slightly rewarding, and IMO not worth
it. I have found many greens to be more enjoyable, less expensive, and
easier to deal with. Bird's toungue, que she, would be a pick for a
nice alternative. There are also many nice Chinese greens that are very
comparable now, I think it is teaspring.com that has a nice selection
of Chinese greens that might fit the bill.

Best of luck,
- Dominic