- Description
Sencha Shogyoku is the finest sencha in the Shogyokuen range - produced by a family-run tea factory established in 1827 in Uji, Kyoto, led by master blender Hiroshi Kobayashi. At this level, every variable in the production chain - leaf selection, steaming precision, rolling, drying, and refinement - is optimized to produce a cup that represents Uji sencha at its most complete expression. Exceptional depth, silky body, a very long finish, and a refinement that makes every infusion an event.
About Sencha Shogyoku
Sencha Shogyoku is part of our Japanese Sencha collection and is Shogyokuen's reference point for what Uji sencha can be at the highest production level. The name mirrors Shogyoku matcha - the premium single-cultivar Samidori at the top of the matcha range - and the same philosophy applies: maximum expression of quality through selection, not novelty.
At this grade, the tea speaks quietly and completely. There is nothing rough or unfinished. The umami is deep and sustained, the sweetness natural and lasting, the astringency perfectly integrated. It is the sencha equivalent of a great single-malt - made for those who understand what they are drinking.
Taste Profile
Liquor: Vivid deep green, luminous Mouthfeel: Silky, full, coating Finish: Very long, impeccably clean Umami: Exceptional, layered Astringency: Perfectly integrated, elegant Flavor NotesSencha Shogyoku brews a vivid, luminous deep green liquor with a silky, full, coating mouthfeel and an exceptionally long, clean finish. Umami arrives immediately and layers through the cup - deep, complex, and sustained without a single rough edge. Natural sweetness integrates seamlessly with the body, extending the finish far beyond what most sencha achieves. The astringency is present but so perfectly integrated it feels like structure rather than sharpness. Each infusion reveals a slightly different dimension of the same composition. This is Uji sencha at its reference standard.
How to Brew Sencha Shogyoku
Recommended brewing parameters:- Leaf: 4-5g per 150ml
- Water temperature: 60-65°C
- Steeping time: 45-60 seconds
- Infusions: 3-4
Use cooler water than any other sencha in the range. At this grade, lower temperature unlocks the full sweetness and umami without any astringency interference. Pour fully and immediately after steeping. Sencha Shogyoku rewards multiple infusions - the 3rd and 4th steepings often surprise even experienced tea drinkers. Cold brew: 8-10g per 500ml, fridge 8-10 hours.
How Sencha Shogyoku Compares
Compared to Yamashiro No Ka, Sencha Shogyoku adds another full dimension of depth, refinement, and finish length - the gap is unmistakable side by side. There is nothing above Sencha Shogyoku in the Shogyokuen sencha range. For those who have worked through the full collection, this is the destination. For those exploring Japanese tea at the highest level available in Thailand, this is the reference point.
Origin & Sourcing
Produced by Shogyokuen, established 1827, master blender Hiroshi Kobayashi. The finest leaf selection from Uji, Kyoto, refined in Kyotanabe, Kyoto. Chaseki holds exclusive Thailand distribution rights for the full Shogyokuen range - including access to this pinnacle tier.
Sizes & Packaging
100g, 250g, 500g, 1,000g pouches. Starting at THB 1,457 per 100g.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sencha Shogyoku priced at the top of the range?
Price at this level reflects leaf selection standard, production refinement, and the consistency of producing the same exceptional result harvest after harvest. Shogyokuen's position as an 1827-established producer under a master blender's oversight adds a further dimension of expertise that is difficult to replicate.
How many infusions does Sencha Shogyoku produce?
3-4 quality infusions, with each showing a different character. The 3rd and 4th steepings are often the most surprising - lighter, sweeter, and more delicate. Use 60-65°C water, steep 45-60 seconds per infusion.
Is Sencha Shogyoku good for gifting?
Yes. It is the most premium Japanese green tea in the Chaseki Shogyokuen range and presents exceptionally well as a gift for tea enthusiasts, professionals, or anyone who appreciates rare, high-quality Japanese produce.
Is it suitable for cold brew?
Yes - and exceptional cold brew. Use 8-10g per 500ml, steep in the fridge 8-10 hours. Cold brewing reveals a sweetness and depth that is remarkable.
(Boilerplate FAQs as standard)
- Yamashiro No Ka - one step below, still exceptional
- Tokusei Shogyoku - the gyokuro equivalent at the top of the shaded tea range
- Zuisho - the matcha pinnacle for comparison
- How to Brew Sencha