Big thanks to Dex for sending some of this to me. This is my very first matcha experience, and it’s one that I’ve been looking forward to.
The very first thing that I thought when I saw the packet of dry tea was how much it resembled henna powder both in color and in texture. There was a similar grass note to the scent but I was definitely getting some cheesecake like notes as well (though they didn’t smell “smooth” but “tangy” instead).
I made this with just hot water as I wanted to get a sense of the “natural” tea before making a latte. After adding the water and attempting to whisk it with a small fork (worked not too bad IMO) I found that those same scent notes carried over to the aroma of the “brewed” tea.
My first sip was very interesting, grassy and a bit sweet it did end up delivering the promised cheesecake notes, though they were quite subtle. The mouthfeel was full but a bit chalky (I’m not sure if I just didn’t whisk it enough but my partner who had tried some in Japan a number of years ago said that it was the same texture as she remembered so who knows.) I also found that the cheesecake flavor lingered for a while and actually built up in my mouth over the course of the cup. I definitely enjoyed it though I really do want to try it as a latte.
Unfortunately that’s where the good parts of my experience ended… I came down with a big headache immediately after finishing the cup (I’m prone to them so it wasn’t guaranteed to be from the tea but there’s usually at least some buildup for me.) Then my stomach decided to disagree with it as well, violently… :(
Now I’ll be the first to admit that trying a new tea type first thing in the morning on an empty stomach was probably not the best idea, but I drink tea at that time/state all the time so it never even crossed my mind. Also a little research (better late than never?) pointed to the fact that I may have used a bit too much matcha for my matcha-virgin body to handle, especially since I was having it straight. Lesson learned… Next time, I’m trying this as a latte after lunch!
