Chiran Organic Cold-Brew Shincha

This organic Shincha from Chiran is a clean, refreshing Sencha that tastes fantastic cold-brewed or brewed hot.

Chiran (知覧, ちらん) is a well-known tea town in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan’s second largest tea-growing region after Shizuoka. Thanks to its rich volcanic soil, mild climate, and fresh sea air, Chiran tea is prized for its soft sweetness, smooth umami, and low bitterness. This Shincha comes from the only fully organic farm in Chiran — the same farm that produces our ceremonial Chiran Matcha — where natural fertilizers and careful shading and picking methods keep the tea pure and clean-tasting.

Shincha means “new tea” — the very first spring harvest made from the youngest buds. This lot blends four cultivars: Asatsuyu, Asanoka, Yutaka Midori, and Yabukita. Asatsuyu and Asanoka add a soft, sweet clarity; Yutaka Midori and Yabukita bring vivid color and soft umami. Together, they make a tea that’s fresh, light, and smooth — a true taste of early spring in Kagoshima.

The flavor is clean and lightly sweet, with hints of steamed sweet corn and a gentle, slightly salty finish — instead of fresh sweet grass notes that you usually get from shincha, this tea has a sweet steamed vegetal profile.

How to Brew (Hot)

• 165°F (74°C)

• 5 grams of leaves in 180–200 ml kyusu or teapot

• Steep 35–40 seconds for maximum sweetness

You can get 3-4 infusions from this tea.

How to Brew (Cold Brew)

• Room temperature water

• 1 gram of leaves per 50 ml of water

• Steep about 1 hour, and chill in the fridge for a sweet, refreshing cup all summer long.