Product Review: Return of The Mega Matcha Showdown! Part 1

topmatchaphotoIt’s that time once again!

I have taken the (perhaps crazy) task of reviewing even more matcha than I anticipated:  Red Leaf Tea has asked me and a handful of skilled bloggers to take on the task of testing and comparing 30 or so different matcha in a large price range. I have been lax on comparing them, with traveling and whatnot, but I need to get cracking. Without further ado, here is the basic criteria in with I will be judging the teas by: Color, Texture, and Sweetness.

Note:  All the teas were provided to me for review by Red Leaf Tea. I was not aware of which brands were which beforehand.

Sample1
Starter Matcha

Starter Matcha

  • Color: 3
  • Sweetness: 5
  • Texture: 4

The first sample I had was a light olive drab. The matcha woke up a bit with some hot water, but did not foam very well. Even though this tea was a tad gritty, it was smooth and grassy, in a good way.

sample2
Deluxe Matcha

Deluxe Matcha

  • Color: 6
  • Sweetness: 5
  • Texture: 6

I would recognize RLT’s matcha anywhere, thanks to the last taste test. This floral and sweet matcha this one was an improvement.. A muted grassy color, I got some really nice foam from it, but it may have just been through practice, heh. The mixture was surprisingly tart, but still quite smooth.

sample3
JK Tea Shop Ceremony Grade Matcha

JK Tea Shop Ceremony Grade Matcha

  • Color: 6
  • Sweetness: 5
  • Texture: 5

Third one up! This one had a bit of a wet paint smell to it. The powder was a lighter, pastel shade of spring green. Not a favorite.

Sample4
Classic Matcha

Classic Matcha

  • Color: 6
  • Sweetness: 7
  • Texture: 6

Phew. At this time I realized that I had made a grave mistake. I hadn’t eaten before starting testing these, and I sure was feeling the effects. This one was the sweetest so far, with a lemony, acidic finish. It was a happy green color, which was promising.

sample5
Kiwami Supreme Ceremonial Matcha

Kiwami Supreme Ceremonial

  • Color: 7
  • Sweetness: 7
  • Texture: 7

This one smelled and tasted just like pistachios! There was some strong marine notes as well, and a smoothness to round it out.

 

Sample6
Yunomi Excellent Kitchen Grade Matcha

Yunomi Excellent Kitchen Grade Matcha

  • Color: 7
  • Sweetness: 8
  • Texture: 7

A really good one in the bunch. It also has a good color, not as neon as #4, but what this one lacks in color, it makes up in taste.

Thanks for tuning in folks! Will it ever end? Stay tuned next time for another installment of Matcha Madness!