Matcha Gabaron by Marukyu Koyamaen
This one was recommended to me by Yen from Biyori Cafe!
General Info
This matcha meant for usucha comes in a 40g tin and is produced by Marukyu Koyamaen in Japan und in my case, resold here in Germany by Chanomiya, where I ordered for better access and convenience (I can't read Japanese unfortunately). Chanomiya seems to be an authorized reseller of it; Marukyu Koyamaen has been plagued with automated bots and unauthorized resellers, so I thought it's important to mention.
This one is supposedly having more ฮณ-amino butyric acid, as Koyamaen used a method to produce this tea that was developed by the Japan National Institute of Vegetable and Tea Science to increase the amount of it in Sencha.
Color and Smell
The color is a lush, intense and beautiful green, both as a powder and in the finished beverage.
It has a very aromatic and intense smell - my fiancee really enjoyed it and one time, even said "Oh it's the one that smells so good". It's hard to describe; like sweet hay and nori. If I wanted a perfume that smells like matcha, it would be this scent.
Taste
I was surprised by the taste. In my time trying out different matcha, I often noticed that the ones meant for usucha (thin, very liquid matcha) were often a little more bitter, astringent. I was preparing myself for it to be more on the bitter side too, but it was surprisingly umami and multi-faceted. It didn't feel too thin or watery on my tongue, it didn't feel rough or too powdery. It was a very velvety and soothing experience. Where it feels like other brand powders meant for usucha decide usucha vs. koicha based on the bitterness (making koicha with a very astringent matcha is so bitter it basically tastes sour), this one felt like it was more about how little powder is needed to get a very wholesome and fulfilling taste experience. It is very little powder needed and isn't feeling watered down when more liquid is used, therefore perfect for an usucha experience.
I liked it so much, I kind of want to make it my new staple matcha! My previous one was the Garucha Matcha by Cha-Do.
Conclusion
๐ต๐ต๐ต๐ต๐ต 5 out of 5 matcha bowls.