Matcha Harukasumi 40g by Marukyu Koyamaen
This one was exciting for me, because I think it is the first matcha I have ever pre-ordered!
General Info
As you can already see with the packaging and name, this one is spring-themed! Harukasumi means "Spring Cloud". It was very limited and is only available for a month (probably each year?), and I got it in May. It's from Uji, and works for both usucha and koicha. I paid 57,50 Euro for it (I know...). Seems that right now, my usual supplier only has the 20g version left.
Color and Smell
The color is a beautiful, deep and vibrant green. The powder smells rather sweet and flowery, maybe a little bit of sweet corn notes, meanwhile the hot tea actually has more of an algae scent.
Taste
This is one that gets away with using a little less to already get a good level of taste; don't make the mistake of making it too strong! While it has basically no bitterness at all, the flower-like, hay-like, algae taste can be pretty strong, though not bothersome or uncomfortable. I wouldn't describe it as chocolate-y or nutty at all.
It tastes very balanced; when you use more of some other matcha, one taste note seems to take over and ruin it, but I think this one can be varied in strength without losing the taste profile. It's also great iced!
Conclusion
Very solid, if expensive, matcha, easy to foam. I'm happy with it, it tastes great. With the price and availability, not something I'd suggest anyone just trying out matcha, or even the first fancy one to buy, but more for people who already know what they want, enjoy splurging on expensive matcha every now and then, and are willing to pay for something fancy and rare.
๐ต๐ต๐ต๐ต๐ต 5 out of 5 matcha bowls.