170 Tasting Notes
Having recently bought a traditional kit to whisk matcha, I had only so far tried one kind of matcha, DT’s organic standard one, which is fairly cheap. Since I don’t have enough comparison points, I can’t really judge of the quality of this one, but I sense for sure that it is much better than the other. The taste was much fuller, and after some pretty intensive whisking, the texture was so rich and creamy, it was really impressive! It was a nice treat and definitely the best matcha I’ve had so far, but I’m not yet certain if I love it enough to buy it again at $20 for 50g. Probably not, but I’ll very much enjoy it while it lasts!
Preparation
don’t know why, but I feel a bit intimidated by matcha… probably from the ritual aspect of it. It,s one of those things that I’m pretty sure I’m gonna mess up if I don’t have an expert standing next to me to teach me how… Sounds lovely though from your description!
yes, I totally understand what you mean! I felt intimidated too, so I watched a bunch of youtube videos about it and thought, well, no one’s gonna be watching me mess it up if I do! it’s worth just getting a cheaper matcha and experimenting with it… in any case, no one gets hurt if you make some mistakes :P
You are right, mister, who cares if I mess it up? If it tastes good, that’s what counts, so I’m reconsidering buying a kit and as you mentioned a cheaper matcha to practice on. Great advice about youtube videos, I already feel more confident :)
Hey! I currently work in a tea store, I am by far no expert but I think I could give you guys a few tips. I completely agree and think it’s a good idea to start with some cheaper matcha. As for the kit, the most important thing is the bamboo whisk as it will be the key to beautiful and frothy matcha! So if you do not want to drop the money for a kit, all you need to buy is a bamboo whisk and make sure you have a shallow bowl (it will be easier to use). With lower grades of matcha, they will often clump so many people sift their tea first (a wire sieve will do, or even break the clumps with a spoon or something). After you have done that pour a small amount of water (1/4 or 1/2 a cup will do, and make sure it is NOT boiling water or it will be very bitter!) and use your whisk in the motion of an “M” and go from right to left in your bowl (try not to scrape your whisk on the bottom of the bowl for over time it will ruin it). At this point, some people pour the matcha into their cup and drink it, and others add more hot water to it – it’s just your preference! I hope this helps! If your still not sure though, I would highly recommend going into a tea store and ask for a cup of matcha and to see how they make it! I believe Davids tea would do this and I know that Teaopia will for sure, it’s also a good way to try different types of matcha and everyone is always so nice and willing to show people. Best of luck!
to kboby: thanks for the tips, but too late, I have already made my first matcha attempt, total disaster! but I will try again using some of your suggestions…
Wow, this is divine! Take everything I have ever loved about white teas, mix it with the flavour intensity of a first flush darjeeling, and that’s mostly how I feel about this one. I get tasty notes of pepper, and I can also find the hazelnut. Not as sure about the cocoa butter, but there is so much more to this tea. Every sip is so precious, it’s the perfect ending to a few days loaded with food!
Preparation
Lives up to the expectations, absolutely delicious! It does taste of candy cane, but the black tea adds a nice richness. I also love the sweet taste it leaves in the mouth. But don’t steep it twice… I usually steep all my blacks twice, but this one failed the test, the second steep was just… very blah! But hey, fair enough, the first steep is lovely enough!
Jealous! How is it?
Pretty good! I’ve had it a few times and every time I get a different opinion, lol. My first experience was disappointing, I thought it tasted a bit of artificial candy flavour, with green rooibos. But the next few times it seemed more fruity and natural, I think I enjoyed it a lot more lukewarm or cold, the fruitiness really comes out then and goes well with the green rooibos. I don’t think I’d buy a whole tin of it (it’s not like I can anyways!), but it’s definitely enjoyable. I have probably about 10g left, I could send it to you if you’re really craving to try it!