If you really want to test your matcha mettle you should try to drink a single cultivar for a few days and then switch it up to a different one.
I have been drinking okumidori the last few days which is more nori forward or at least I thought it was until I tried this samidori. The marine flavor is not just forward, it is in your face. Bits of nori mixed with umami sea notes. It starts very smooth and ends up a bit silty but the bits aren’t unpleasant.
The overall mouthfeel is very smooth. The matcha coloring is just a very slight shade off of the highest grade I have in my fridge but it still is nice jade green.
The powder is smooth to the touch.
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Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Sorate
Description
Exclusively grown from the rolling hills of Uji, Japan, this Matcha is known for its savory and full taste. The exquisite flavor is a result of the leaves being produced from this rich soil.
Since 17th century, the tradition has been passed down from generation to generation.
Samidori breed.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Nicole Relax Raspberry/Hey Bestea -CuppaGeek-
Who doesn’t love a lovely raspberry herbal tea?
Nicole Relax Raspberry is a lovely blend of raspberry pieces, lemongrass, and what looks to be either rose or hibiscus pieces. The ingredients are not listed on the package but I do see they are listed on the website.
Brewed up with water at boiling and allowed to steep for about 5 minutes, this tea blend really hit the spot. Tart raspberry and hibiscus notes mingled and softened by the lemongrass with a sweet finish. What I loved was this tea is described as being relaxing and most relaxing blends have chamomile. For being a non traditional relaxing blend, this tea really hit the spot.
With ingredients like raspberry, hibiscus, and lemongrass- this blend really called for a solid cold brew. Set up in a mason jar with cold water and allowed to brew overnight, this tea may have actually been a bit better iced. I really loved how the tart raspberry notes really popped with the citrus lemongrass finish. This is definitely a blend for those lovers of all things hibiscus.
Overall, this blend though simple, is really top notch for a fruit tisane. Lovely, simple, but really on point. A great tea to enjoy any time of the day but one I think would be perfectly paired with a good book on a rainy day.
All in all, a great first cuppa from a new company to me.
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Leaf Type: Herbal/Fruit Tisane
Where to Buy: Hey Bestea
Description
Our bestea Nicole is all about living a life of leisure and relaxation. So take five minutes, brew yourself a cup of Nicole relax raspberry tea to relax your body and soul. Since this refreshing tea blend is packed with vitamins, your body is going to say “ I love you” with every sip.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Rose Moscato Green/Tielka Tea -CuppaGeek-
Sometimes when you receive tea mail, a tea instantly catches your eye. That is exactly what happened when we recently received a lovely box of tea to review from Tielka Tea, an Australian tea company with one of the prettiest websites I’ve seen in a while. Their tea blends are gorgeous and I couldn’t wait to steep this delight up.
First off, this tea is a green tea and with a name like Rose Moscato, I knew I was in for a treat!
Brewed up with water at 190F and allowed to steep for right around 3 minutes, this tea delivered on aroma and taste. Beautiful rose notes fill the air long with that floral sweetness I’ve grown to really love and enjoy. After having a long day, this blend exactly what I need to unwind and start to decompress.
First sip in, I have to say this tea is very simple but all of the flavors work- and work lovely. The green tea that is used in this blend is heavenly and I am a sucker for all things rose. The tea itself has this romantic air about it and I’m thoroughly feeling indulged. I do have to note that there is a touch of tartness in the blend from the hibiscus and schisandra berries that adds this pop of tartness to counter act the sweetness from the rose petals and buttery richness of the green tea.
All in all, this tea captured this green tea lovin’ gal’s heart and I’m excited to dive into other teas from Tielka Tea and hope to make a purchase with them soon.
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Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Tielka Tea
Description
Wulu green tea, schisandra berries, hibiscus, and rose petals.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Masala Chai Organic Black Tea/Rishi -TeaEqualsBliss
I’m doing my own personal sipdown during COVID that’s for sure! I’m flying thru a lot of the teas I have had on hand for a good-long-while including Masala Chai Organic Black Tea from Rishi Tea.
To be honest, I thought I already reviewed this one, but apparently I did NOT.
I drink chai like I drink tea…plain…straight-up…with nothing else in them. The spices are BOLD in this chai. The ingredients consist of Organic Black Tea, Organic Cardamom, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Ginger Root, Organic Black Pepper, and Organic Cloves. I almost typed GLOVES. Now…THAT would have been a tea I have never tried – hahaha!
As you can see – the ORGANIC theme runs thru this offering. It is certified USDA Organic and also Certified Kosher and both labels are clearly shown.
This is a bold chai and it reaches high standards. It’s a GOODIE!
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Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Rishi Tea
Description
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Tasting Notes on Shirakawa Gokou/kettl -Skysamurai-
Never again will I be able to even look at a ‘premium’ or ‘culinary’ grade without a bit of disdain. Without even tasting it I get a perfect sense of how amazing this experience will be simply from the color. Then we bring in the aroma and suddenly I have been transported away. An ethereal encounter. It’s sweet. The sweetest vegetation possible, mixed with soft vegetal notes. Even the sensation of touch is exquisite. Unequivocally soft. The dry matcha flavor is mind-blowing. I honestly thought I had tried good matcha before. And I haven’t even begun to make it. The liquid froths up nicely. Though I admit my frothing skills are less than stellar. A gorgeous emerald color. There is a very interesting yin-yang situation going on in my mouth every time I sip. Calming yet activating. Smooth yet moderately bitter but not in a bad way. Grassy and vegetal. I might just have to lick the bowl when I’m through. . . .
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: kettl
Description: A single cultivar 100% Gokou matcha from Shirakawa, Uji. This is a wonderful chance to try unblended Gokou Matcha – made from one of Uji’s most celebrated local culitvars. Gokou has an intoxicating aroma with a balanced, full bodied finish. Made by a true living legend.
What is so special about this tea? This matcha hails from unarguably the most revered tencha garden in all of Uji – The gardens of Mr. Kiyoharu Tsuji. Gokou is one of the more uniquely fragranced Matcha from Tsuji san with a notable Gyokuro like “shaded aroma” quality. Tsuji san has mastered the production of a handful of cultivars – Gokou among them. With more #1 showings at Japan’s all national tea fair, it is safe to say his name is etched in the history of Uji tea production. His teas exude a notable power from intensive garden management and fertilization as well as the deep red clay soil of Shirakawa. The L-Theanine and amino acid levels of his teas are some of the highest recorded – and this comes through on the palate. We recommend using slightly cooler water to bring out that umami.