My second Red Leaf Teas matcha. The quality is consistent. However, when I was ordering this matcha, I wasn’t really paying attention to what strength of flavor I was ordering, and ended up ordering Robust flavor instead of distinctive, which was the perfect flavor strength for my first matcha, the Bavarian Cream. This matcha, the Pumpkin Pie, is strong. Wicked strong. Eat Pumpkin Pie spice with a spoon kind of strong. I think delicate or distinctive would be perfect for this matcha. Anything else is just too damn…strong. I noticed that some of the options have changed since the last time I ordered. You can’t choose to automatically add the small metal tin to your cart, but it is still available with the rest of the accessories on a different page. Also, you can now choose whether you want your matcha to be organic or not. Personally, I am content with my regular matcha for now. Anywho, let’s get on with this review for the Red Leaf Pumpkin Pie Matcha, which you can find here —> http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/pumpkin-pie-matcha.html
THE SPECS:
Size: Small (30 grams)
Quality: Royal Grade(Premium)Green Matcha
Flavor Strength: Robust (oops)
So far I like to buy the special sale matchas, which take place between Friday and Sunday of every week. You can also vote on which matcha will be on sale next, which is cool. Buying one of the special sale matchas allows me to upgrade my options, like better quality matcha and stronger flavor, and still keep my order at a reasonable price. As my appreciation for Red Leaf matchas grows into an obsession, though, I have a feeling that attitude will change to a few times a week >.> And trust me, you will become obsessed. On to the flavor itself. Hot damn does this hit you in the face. Not in a bad way, though. Clove, clove, clove. From the smell to the taste, that is what stands at the forefront. Next you can taste some nutmeg and cinnamon, and it all rounds out with a truly pumpkin taste. Essence of pumpkin. As though dried pumpkin was ground up into little tiny bits and added to this. I love that you can really taste the quality in these flavors. This is not just poured out of a bottle.Time is put into mixing these flavors to create a balance. Word to the wise though, unless you are crazy about these spices, Distinctive is going to be the strongest you want to go with this flavor. I’ll remember that next time. I still use this in my smoothie (see Bavarian Cream matcha review for “recipe”),but when using this flavor I like to add a little dollop of real pumpkin to the mix to enhance that flavor, and after pouring into the cup, dusting cinnamon over the top. Delicious!! All in all, I definitely recommend this flavor. I did like the Bavarian Cream matcha better, but I will have to try this one with a toned down flavor.
