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The Japanese zodiac has twelve animal signs, and each new year is assigned an animal based on a twelve year cycle. This is similar to other Asian countries who celebrate the Lunar New Year starting in mid-January. This New Year, we are again introducing a specially blended Zodiac Sencha to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse. This sencha is wrapped special packaging and is a great way to celebrate the new year. It makes for a great hostess gift when visiting friends for the first time in 2026 and can also be used as a gift for Chinese Lunar New Year.
Each Zodiac Sencha comes packed with 2 oz (56 g) of tea.
Origin: Shizuoka
Harvest: First Flush
Cultivar: Yabukita
Den's Preferred Brewing:
Leaf-water ratio: 2-3g (1 rounded tsp) per 4oz
Water: 160°F
Steep: 45 sec
2nd Cup: Water 180°F; Steep 15 sec
Tasting Profile:
We found that the 2026 Zodiac Sencha had an excellent balance of bitterness and sweetness. The flavor is gentle while still carrying enough of that typical "green" flavor that we have come to know and love. It is a tea that we felt we wanted to keep returning to as we drank it.