Really enjoying this ceremonial grade matcha. I've had a few before and they are all somewhat similar in that they are much less bitter and "intense" than the cheaper matchas. Meaning you can use a bit more and get a deeper flavor without having the bitterness overwhelm you. The price is definitely up there - but many ceremonials have a similarly high price point so I can't really take points off for that. The price of a homemade matcha latte is still far below that of a store bought latte - so it's easy enough to justify the price if you're already one to go buy a $7-10 matcha latte as I do. It's one of my favorite drinks. My main way to make a hot latte with this particular powder is to add 4-5oz of milk, 1 tbsp matcha powder, and 1 scoop of a very light vanilla protein powder. I blend it up with a good quality milk frother so that I have a fairly thick matcha protein cream. From there I slowly poor in near boiling water while stirring slowly with the frother. I add 3 drops of liquid splenda (any sweetener to taste will work). When I have filled my mug, around 16oz, it yields a warm but not piping hot cup of delicious matcha latte with a slight vanilla flare that I love. Read more
This is some good quality matcha, quite fresh, nice "green" aroma as well as color. The preparation and packaging are great. When mixing, it blends well enough, although it is not particularly foamy. The taste is not quite there, perhaps a bit more grassy than matcha. The caffeine content might also be on the lower side. Read more
This Emptea "Kagoshima Matcha Powder (Ceremonial Grade)" is truly lovely Japanese matcha. It is finely ground and has a fresh bright green color to it, a silky look and feel, and the flavor on this matcha is very good. It has the flavor I hope for in matcha- not overly bitter but still has the characteristic earthy flavor. I think the quality of this matcha powder is excellent. I don't usually drink my matcha in the traditional hot brewed and whisked way, I usually make matcha smoothies instead. I find matcha smoothies refreshing and more a more enjoyable way for me to consume matcha- a perfect start to a morning. This matcha works perfectly for that purpose. Just 1 tsp of matcha powder is needed to make a double serving of smoothie, just blend it with a frozen banana, vanilla extract, a bit of milk and crushed ice, and whatever sweetener you prefer, pour into two glasses and serve! Read more
This is the Emptea Ceremonial Grade Matcha, advertised as a First Harvest Kagoshima Tea Master Blend. For the price point, this is a good matcha. The color is a vibrant green, which is what you want to see when you open it up. The taste is nice and smooth. It has a light grassy flavor mixed with umami notes. The bitterness is very low, making it extremely easy to drink daily. When I use a chaisen (bamboo whisk), it gets nice and foamy, exactly as high-quality powder should. It came in a sturdy tin with the tea sealed inside a separate internal bag. This setup is helpful for keeping the quality high after opening. Remember to store it in the fridge to have it last longer. For maximum freshness, always sift the powder before whisking to break up any tiny clumps. Read more
This is a good tasting matcha powder. I've been making tea with this daily and I enjoy it. It's a small container but you don't need a lot. You have to make sure you whisk it and make it foamy to taste good. I enjoy it and recommend it. Read more
I have tried many varieties of matcha tea. I haven't had ceremonial tea before. I will say that the color and texture were exceptional. It has a great taste. It blended very well and did not clump during brewing. It was a very fresh tasting product. All that being said, I do not know if the taste was superior to lesser grade matcha blends. It tastes very good, but I would not say that the flavor was exceptional. I gave it a 5 star rating based on the freshness, texture, color, and ease of brewing. Read more
It's a bit pricey but the quality is good. Good green color. No clumps when sifted. Tastes not too bitter and slight umami. If you whisk correctly, it's a smooth texture. Also to keep airtight after opening. I often put it in the refrigerator. Definitely a shortage of matcha right now so this is a good option for the meantime. Will definitely add this to my routine. Read more
Likes: Great taste: Mild, slightly sweet, very little bitterness Vibrant color: Bright spring green, not dull or brownish Smooth texture: No clumps, very fine powder which is easy to whisk/stir Versatile: Tastes great hot or iced, Works well in lattes and smoothies Foams well: Whisks up nicely for traditional prep Easy to mix: Blends smoothly into liquids without separating Caffeine content: Mild enough for those sensitive to caffeine Mehs: Small quantity: Price is high for the amount provided Labeling: Listed as organic online, but no official certification on packaging Flavor depth: Fresh and clean, but lacks the complexity of a high-end matcha Quality level: Sits somewhere between high-end culinary and mid-range ceremonial grade Read more
