NEW Shincha 2026
green melon
Umami★★☆☆ / Astringency★☆☆☆
Body★★☆☆ / Firing★☆☆☆

Tosa is the former name of the current Kôchi Prefecture on Shikoku Island. While Tosa teas are relatively unknown to the general public, these teas enjoy a great reputation with professionals. This is first and foremost a standard-steamed unshaded mountain tea.
The fragrance of this sencha from Tosa is initially vegetal. However, it quickly develops the melon, berry, fruit nuances, clearly recognizable of the Yamakai cultivar.
On the palate, the infusion is very balanced, has some umami, and is lightly astringent, making it a truly representative sencha. The aromas—with their green melon sensations and raspberry nuances—are very typical of Yamakai. In the mouth, there is a slightly sweet, good length.
The first infusion has a strong presence in the mouth, which is simultaneously delicious, aromatic, and accompanied by a mineral sensation.
Subsequent infusions are more fluid and refreshing, but have less umami and astringency. At the same time, the tea remains suitably aromatic.
This very pleasant sencha has good balance as much in terms of flavour as intensity. As it develops, it emphasizes the green and fresh aspects of the Yamakai cultivar.

Type of tea : Futsumushi (normal-steamed) sencha
Origin : Kuroiwa, Sakawa town, Takaoka district, Kôchi prefecture
Cultivar : Yamakai
Harvest : April 22th, 2026