Genmai-matcha Matsujirushi

Oh My…what a lovely tea this was. I’m so disappointed that it is not available. The balance between the toasted flavor and the matcha flavor was masterful.

This tea is so beautifully green! The aroma is peppery and mostly exhibits roasted nutty tones above all.

The dominant flavors are of algae and seaweed, with obvious toasty notes from the toasted rice. At first this tea tastes very briney, oceany, even fishy almost, but as I drink more of it and become more familiar with the taste, this effect diminishes and it is mostly just vegetal. The aftertaste is a little astringent, but not very noticeable.

This tea is a little on the uninteresting side for me. I brewed it in a 10 oz porcelain mug with a built-in porcelain infuser basket. I almost always brew gongfu method with a gaiwan but thought this would be more appropriate for this tea because of the matcha and because the packet just recommends to use 10 oz of water.

All that considered, I feel the taste is rather forward and not very deep or complex. I feel sort of unmoved.

From the first whiff of verdant, toasty, popcorny comforting steam curling up from the surface, I was in love.

It just kept getting better from there. It’s SO mild, and so green, and the toasted rice is a stellar complement to all that earthy vegetal goodness. I could drink this all. day.

From April’s select box, 2014

Fun blend of matcha, green tea leaves, and toasted rice. This smells totally like matcha with a bit of toast but then when it is brewed, it smells like kukicha. Luckily it doesn’t taste like kukicha.
The liquor is beautiful emerald green and still see-thru though cloudy from the matcha. I like the flavors, the toasty rice balances pretty well with the green teas. The grassy green is dominant though and has a bitter note. A fun afternoon tea for snack time.

From the Steepster Select Box, April 2014

Absolutely delicious. Best green tea I have had in a long time. The roasted grain is not overwhelming and balances really nicely with the green tea. I could drink this every day. Whichever Steepster staffer chose this to go this month’s Steepster Select club, thank you!!