Flavour
This excellent 88 Ya No Shincha is the undisputed crowning jewel of the Kinezuka Tea Garden. Traditionally harvested on the 88th night after the spring equinox – a harvest which, on this specific night, has long been regarded as producing teas considered elixirs of longevity and protectors of good health – 88 Ya No Shincha tea is often presented as a fortune-bringing gift. The exceptionally strict, self-imposed organic standards at the Kinezuka Tea Garden are reflected in the intense richness of umami, catechins and caffeine in this tea, which blend together for an elegant and robust flavour. Highly aromatic, its room-filling flavour bouquet is reminiscent of a cool summer breeze, infused with powerful vegetal notes of fresh green meadow herbs such as wild nettle.
Due to the exceptionally warm weather in March in Japan, the 2024 harvest was plucked a few days before the traditional 88th night. This way, the Kinezuka family ensures the highest quality of the tea, which we were able to fully convince ourselves of during the tasting. This year, the tea scored a full 100/100 points in our evaluation criteria "Noble bitterness", "Harmony" and "Elegance", which predestines this tea as the absolute pinnacle of our Shincha & Sencha assortment. Additionally, this year's tea needles are of outstanding beauty.
Leaf
Wonderful long and juicy green needles
Cup
Delicately creamy, ethereal green yellow