Haruhi - Jokyu Ceremonial Uji Matcha

quality is very good. smooth when prepared correctly. umami but not bitter

These were really good matcha. It is very flavorful and high quality - you can immediately tell this is superior ceremonial grade. The Yabukita single cultivar from Uji, Kyoto brings authentic Japanese matcha character.
The color is vibrant green, the texture is fine and smooth, and the flavor is rich without excessive bitterness. It whisks well and creates a beautiful froth. The taste is complex and satisfying - this is the kind of matcha that makes you appreciate the difference quality makes. For matcha enthusiasts or anyone wanting to experience truly excellent ceremonial grade matcha, this is worth the investment. The sourcing and craftsmanship justify the premium price.

I watched a video that explained why ceremonial grade matcha tea is much more expensive than standard grade. The process of growing, nurturing and grinding small batches is a labor of love. The vibrant jade green fine ground matcha powder froths beautifully. The resulting tea is smooth and rich without unmixed residue.

I love everything matcha because of its complex, fresh and green flavor. I’m a casual user so apologies to the traditional matcha enthusiast if I offend you with my process. I use an electric mug frother to make matcha latte. I put an ounce of whipping cream in the frothing mug with a teaspoon of matcha and froth it room temperature. Once it’s blended I add some an ounce of water and froth it again with the heating element on to heat the mixture. I heat water separately in the tea kettle. When everything’s ready I pour the matcha in the mug and add water to taste. In the morning I prefer it stronger to later in the day. I add a small amount of rock sugar to cut the bitter, but not enough to sweeten. This process makes a gorgeous latte.

This ceremonial matcha reminds me of savory seaweed, not fishy. This oceanic taste, sometimes called ooika or "covered aroma," is the result from shading the tea plants before harvest, boosting chlorophyll and amino acids. The flavor is deep oceanic but the finish has a fresh grassy note. A little of this ceremonial matcha goes much further than a lower quality. I believe the quality of this matcha is worth the price, especially if you regularly buy matcha lattes.

Drinking matcha lattes helps me focus without the jitters of caffeine. It boosts my energy too. There are so many other health benefits to drinking matcha which makes drinking it daily both enjoyable and a meaningful routine.

It’s very smooth with great unique aroma

This is a lovely Matcha, but having tried the Gekkou and Tea Master's Reserve, I have to say that I slightly prefer these. However, this is purely personal preference. I found that the color of the Uji Superior Matcha is a bright green, and there are some robust, astringent flavors to match. This makes it flexible for use in a traditional "long green" Matcha or in Lattes or food recipes alike. The quality for price is, of course, unbeatable.