Hon Yama Shincha Okouchi

The tangy citrus note really comes through even with a short steep, and that mountain minerality lingers in a way that feels clean, not bitter. This is the first shincha I've tried where the handpicking effort actually shows in how smooth and balanced every sip is.

Brewed this with cooler water than I usually use for greens and the citrusy tang really popped without any bitterness. The liquor is so clean it almost tastes like spring rain, and the handpicked leaves hold up beautifully for a second steep.

The minerality really comes through in the first sip, like cool stone and a bright, citrusy tang that lingers. Even a short steep brings out that complex balance, and it's easily my favorite summer tea this year.