First Matcha?

[Geekgirl]

Usucha, but I would like to try Koicha. Both of the selections I chose said (I think) that they were for usucha but also good as koicha. So that fits me pretty well. It's also why I chose not to go for the Waka, because I will be unlikely to have much koicha.

I really have no point of reference for the quality of the other matchas from Ippodo that are available in the 40g tins.

[Space Samurai]

Anyone try Den's Matcha Kaze?

I have.

[murrius]

I have a tin of Den's Matcha Kaze in my fridge but I am forcing myself to use the last of the DoMatcha tin first. I'm very anxious to try it.

[Geekgirl]

What did you think of the DoMatcha? Is that the one they sell at Uwajimaya?

Excellent review Space, just the kind of info I was looking for. Because it is so reasonably priced, I will likely try it based on this.

[britt]

As I just got my first chawan I obviously need some matcha right away. I will probably also be getting the Japanese made chasen that O-cha sells as I hear the Chinese stuff isnt really good, or maybe it is for a beginner? If so I can get one at my grocery store for $12. Anyway this matcha is what seems to interest me. Seems to be alot of bang for the buck. Anyone had it and have any recommendations on a whisk for a beginner?

http://www.o-cha.com/green-tea/uji-matcha-kiri.html

Thank you!

Great choices for chasen, matcha, and vendor. I usually drink the Uji Matcha Manten (59.95) or Kaoru Supreme (34.95) and I think both are awesome, but I tried the Kiri No Mori just to see what O-Cha's lower priced matcha was like. I was very pleasantly surprised and I think it's a steal at 15.95. Highly recommended!

[murrius]

This is the first Matcha I have ever tried so I have no other point of reference. I made the mistake of putting it in the fridge after I had opened it so I know the quality has declined since then.

I couldn't find in on Uwajimaya but here is the url:

http://www.domatcha.com/



[quote="GeekgirlUnveiled"]What did you think of the DoMatcha? Is that the one they sell at Uwajimaya?

[edkrueger]

DoMatcha is now sold a Whole Foods.

[Geekgirl]

I got my order from Ippodo, ordered on Saturday night and it came yesterday. I had to sign for it, so I picked it up today.

I ordered two grades: the Kinmo-no-mukashi (600yen/20g, or about $5.60), and two grades up, Horai-no-mukashi (1000yen/20g, or about $9.30). Shipping cost 1400yen ($13).

I just tried the lower grade matcha, and *swoon.* This beats the Ippuku by a discernable margin, and I paid nearly $30 for that locally. Haven't broken into the Horai yet, and will try to restrain myself until I finish the Kinmo.

The Kinmo is brilliantly green, smooth, mixes very well. It smells like grass after rain, but very mild. Has just a hint of umami at first sip, a nice mild but full taste with just a bit of a lingering aftertaste of sweetgrass. I love it. This is a very mild matcha without even a whisper of astringency, and it just suggests bitterness.

Some people might prefer a fuller-bodied matcha, and if so this one is not for them. But if anyone is curious about matcha, first timers, white or green tea drinkers, this is an excellent place to start.

[Pentox]

I just tried the lower grade matcha, and *swoon.* This beats the Ippodo by a discernable margin, and I paid nearly $30 for that locally.

I is confused. Your ippodo beat your ippodo? You actually had some ippodo from a local vendor?

[Geekgirl]

I just tried the lower grade matcha, and *swoon.* This beats the Ippodo by a discernable margin, and I paid nearly $30 for that locally.

I is confused. Your ippodo beat your ippodo? You actually had some ippodo from a local vendor?

oops, Ippuku. lol. I'll change it.

[Ti]

I also got a little bag of Wegmans matcha, pretty darn good stuff! 30 grams for $10. I will defiantly keep at matcha and be getting some Japanese stuff at some point

I saw a matcha whisk at Wegmans for $15.99. Price seemed kind of steep. I looked but didn't see any matcha though.

[Pentox]

I also got a little bag of Wegmans matcha, pretty darn good stuff! 30 grams for $10. I will defiantly keep at matcha and be getting some Japanese stuff at some point

I saw a matcha whisk at Wegmans for $15.99. Price seemed kind of steep. I looked but didn't see any matcha though.

Availability of some of the teas varies greatly per which Wegmans you are at.

[Ti]

The Wegmans here has quite a bit of stuff. I've never seen a selection of tea like that in any store around here other than Wegmans. It's a recent addition. One section has a lot of Republic of Tea stuff and I forget who is the other brand but it's impressive in a grocery store where the tea selection used to be only Tetley bags and couple cans of Twinings. If there is matcha whisks and matcha bowls you'd think there would be some kind of matcha. Maybe I just didn't see it.

[Pentox]

If it's on a shelf it's probably going to be in a small can. About 1-2 inches tall, maybe 1.5" in diameter. If your wegmans has a teabar in it, which I'm guessing it doesn't, you can just ask them for some.

[devites]

I get my Do Matcha from Whole Foods. Although the O-cha is better Do matcha is pretty good and easily available (5 minutes away). When it comes to Japanese tea O-cha is the best![/url]