Celebrating Shincha Season—and the Beauty of Aged Japanese Tea

With spring just around the corner, all of us at Kettl are looking forward to the arrival of Shincha season. As the first harvest of the year, Shincha offers an ultra-fresh and vibrant taste of the new tea season—a first glimpse of what the year’s teas will bring. It is a marker of the season and an important moment—the culmination of many months of work in the fields. It also marks the official beginning of the 2026 tea season. Shincha season also brings with it another moment—one that may surprise you. It is also the very best time to drink freshly stored 2025 tea. 

You read that correctly: 2025.

As Japanese tea rests, it develops—much like wine. Stored under the right conditions, teas develop richer and more pronounced umami notes, while the brighter “green” notes of spring mellow into a deeper, more refined aroma. This maturation process is one of the great pleasures of tea.

Spring teas offer a burst of fragrance and a light, refreshing mouthfeel. By autumn, the teas drink with greater balance. And after winter, they reveal a rich, profound umami and a beautifully mellow aroma.

This transformation stems from the traditional practice of resting freshly processed Japanese tea— known as jukusei, or maturation. After the leaves are harvested and finished, they are carefully stored in cool, controlled conditions. Over time, the more intense aromas soften, bitterness and sharp edges settle, and the tea’s amino acids and deeper savory notes become more integrated. What begins as a bright, energetic tea in the spring gradually develops into something rounder and more harmonious. By the time the teas are enjoyed after the winter months, their flavors have had time to knit together, revealing a deeper sweetness, fuller body, and the layered umami that makes well-rested Japanese tea so compelling.

So while spring may receive most of the attention as the “best time” to drink Japanese tea, the truth is, there is no single best moment. At Kettl, we love marking each season by enjoying teas at every stage of their development. Currently, our 2025 teas are at peak drinkability. We invite you to celebrate the season and savor the culmination of last year's harvest with a cup of 2025 tea. Join us in welcoming spring and making every moment of tea special.