This is the top tier of matcha for Matchaeologist. I was impressed with matsu save for the color, so my expectations for this one are definitely higher. So let’s begin!
First the color. Gorgeous! Just what I was hoping. That luscious emerald/jade green. Slightly chocolatey aroma. Very soft to the touch. Likewise with the liquid, a serene green appearance. Wish it was accented with a lovely froth but that is something I find hard to do.
As I poured in more water a unique marine aroma drifted up to my nose. Wish I could explain it but it was gone so quickly. Silky mouth feel. That slightly marine flavor came back again; it’s almost fishy in flavor but it comes and goes so quickly. Do not worry though as strange as it is I’ve only had the sensation a few times in the many sips I’ve taken. Maybe it’s me?
Regardless, if you like umami this has a wonderful umami undertone to it. Slightly grassy , no astringency.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: Matchaeologist
Description:
This crème de la crème ceremonial-grade matcha brews an exquisite, buttery-sweet broth of chlorophyll elixir with rich and malty roasted aromas
The crown jewel of our artisan-roasted matcha, Misaki™ uses only the topmost leaves of shade-grown tea trees nurtured for over 30 years before harvest, boasting the sweetest and most luscious taste profile in our range. The captivating aromas of pure umami and roasted caramel can be experienced upon brewing. Packed full of L-theanine and immunity-boosting antioxidants, this rich ambrosia can also be prepared in ‘koicha’ (thick) consistency that can launch you into a transcendent state of alpha-wave nirvana
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
MMU05 / Material Matcha Uji
MMU05, organic matcha blend. Currently this product is still waiting to be certified by the JAS/JONA, USDA, and EU. However, if you know anything about organic certification in Japan it is no simple task. It is appreciated though; that is the extra effort put in to get the certification and that which makes it so. Being that it is only in the prototype stage still I can’t guarantee that my review will be the same as anyone after me but if it’s anything like the original three blends I know each batch will be amazing. Upon opening the bag the aroma is reminiscent of MMU03, chocolaty and smooth. It is easy to sift and incorporate with ones desired liquid. Thus far I have tried almond milk and regular water. Both have turned out wonderful. It has an umami and sweetness like MMU03 but the grassy tones are a bit stronger. Luckily for those of you who aren’t interested in grassy tones they do dissolve nicely when mixed for a latte.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: Material Matcha Uji
Description:
MMU05 is Material Matcha’s first ever try at Organic Matcha: we selected leaves from strictly organic batches of land and tried to achieve flavor as good as our conventional blends!
(Note: This prototype is currently pending official JAS/JONA Organic certification, to be followed by USDA Organic & EU Organic certifications)
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
MatchaStick by Magus Brands
Hello Tea Friends,
I adore Matcha and was giddy to be sent this sample to try; I was even giddier to learn that this Matcha stick’s contents are organic. I haven’t tried anything from Magus Brands and I always enjoy drinking from a vendor that is new to me.
The MatchaStick is a handy pocked/bag size that contains “2g of matcha, which contains 70mg of caffeine (equal to a cup of light roast coffee) and 137 times the antioxidants of a cup of green tea.” They have a lovely guide for brewing on their home page for those that are new to Matcha. With two method examples given (Usucha and Koicha) I will be using the traditional Usucha method as I like my Matcha frothy and bubbly.
Opening the stick the Matcha appears a vivid green colour that bares a grassy, sweet pea scent.
Once prepared the Matcha has created a lot of lovely foam (with very little effort on my part) and is a bit lighter than the natural raw state.
Flavour wise the first few sips reveal sweet grass, seaweed and thick umami notes among the light and frothy foam. Slightly bitter but in a pleasant way. The after taste is clean and light which sweetens the grass and umami even further. Half way through the bowl/chawan the flavour remains consistent, also the foam still remains thick.
Overall: This Matcha was a handy packet size and was easy to prepare. It claimed to be of ceremonial grade and organic which from the foam proportion and colour I am inclined to agree with. You could certainly taste the quality and it made for a very nice Chawan of Matcha. The umami in this was strong and I savoured every sip with a smile. For new Matcha drinkers or seasoned fans that like to travel I recommend you consider these fantastic MatchaSticks, they are Matcha-tastic!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Matcha Green Tea
Where to Buy: Magus Brands
Description: Our MatchaSticks™ are made from the highest-grade, premium organic matcha. We’ve partnered with a network of centuries-old, small family-owned farms who cultivate the tea by hand on the island town of Kagoshima. The island soil creates a vibrant, refreshing strain of tencha, a shade-grown tea that is transformed into matcha.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Chai Matcha Latte Tea from Matcha Mountain
Tea Type:
Matcha
(Green Tea Base)
NOTE:
In the form of a Latte
Where To Buy:
Matcha Mountains
Product Description:
Spice up your life this season with our chai matcha latte made from organic freshly ground spices cardamon, cinnamon, cloves… and japanese matcha. Accent our chai with a cinnamon stick or dollop of whip cream and enjoy hot or cold.
Tasters Review:
This was the very first Matcha Mountains product I ever tried and I must say…I was hooked right away!
Chai Matcha Latte from Matcha Mountains smelled like a gentle chai with green tea in powder form. Once I added it to milk and heated the aroma got stronger! It had a very nice chai smell to it! The color after preparing was much like the photo above.
The taste is very satisfying! The mixture of spices are wonderful…they are both sweet and spicy but not overly done my any means. I like this very much. If matcha latte’s could whisper – this one would say “I was made for you!”
Red Matcha from Pure Matcha
Tea Type: Matcha (Rooibos Base)
Where To Buy: Pure Matcha
Product Description:
Rooibos, which is grown deep in the heart of South Africa, is a deeply rich, aromatic, and flavorful tea. Naturally caffeine free and full of anti-oxidants and vitamins. 47% more than any green tea. Our Rooibos is stone ground into the finest powder. Allowing you to consume the whole leaf, just like traditional Matcha. By consuming the leaf, you absorb almost 10 times more anti-oxidants and vitamins than the regular method of drinking Rooibos, where the leaves are removed after brewing. This results in a stronger, richer, and naturally sweet flavor you will never forget. Our 100% Rooibos Powder will leave your body and mind completely revitalized and rejuvinated.
Tasters Review:
I’ve had 2 other Rooibos Based Matcha Powders and I have enjoyed both of them. Red Matcha from Pure Matcha is just as good! It’s a plain rooibos base into a powder so there is no flavoring to really comment on other than it DOES smell and taste exactly like Rooibos and what you think it would and should smell and taste like.
The thing that really stands out here is the QUALITY. It’s top-notch as far as Rooibos quality goes.
In matcha form the rooibos is very clean tasting but semi-murky in the water…it looks like a latte, however, and that makes sense!
It’s smooth and sweet and I think it’s very good! I can only assume that red matcha’s – among other matchas – will grow in popularity…I’m hoping for a WHITE MATCHA soon…if you know of one…let us know!!!