Gunpowder vs Sencha

Gunpowder

Gunpowder is a bold Chinese green rolled into tight pellets that unfurl as they brew. The cup is assertive and full-bodied, with brisk grassy depth, a smoky edge, and a dry mineral finish. It stands up well to sugar and is the traditional base of Moroccan mint tea. The rolled shape keeps the leaves fresh longer during storage and travel than looser greens.

Sencha

Sencha is Japan's everyday green tea, made by steaming the leaves to lock in a vivid green color. The cup is fresh and grassy with a pleasant vegetal depth, a gentle sweetness, and a clean, slightly brisk finish. Higher grades from the first harvest (shincha) add a softer, more umami-rich body. It pairs naturally with food and handles a second steeping well.

Gunpowder

Water temperature

75–85°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

2–3 min

Re-steep

2–3 times

Sencha

Water temperature

70–80°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

1–2 min

Re-steep

2–3 times

Gunpowder

Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Sencha

Medium caffeine — roughly 15–35 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Gunpowder

China · Zhejiang

Gunpowder has been produced in Zhejiang for centuries and became a major export tea.

Sencha

Japan · Shizuoka

Shizuoka is Japan's largest tea-producing region, with Uji and Kagoshima also famous for sencha.