Matcha Wako 40g by Marukyu Koyamaen
General Info
This one is another from Marukyu Koyamaen, so far the most reviewed company on this blog! I really like their matcha variety and tastes, and the shop I order from always has a wide selection of theirs on the website, so that is why :)
"Wako" supposedly means βPeaceful Lightβ, taken from the Taoist phrase βWa-kΕ dΕ-jinβ meaning βto soften oneβs brilliance and live in harmony with the world.β According to the shop page, this one is suitable for both koicha and usucha.
I paid 39,50 Euro for a 40g tin of it (and I noticed I forgot to include the prices in many recent reviews, will do that again moving forward!)
Color and Smell
I was very happy with the color. I currently have two other matcha for testing at home, and their color is not nearly as beautiful. I never tire of seeing the beautiful green hue that the brand's matcha selection tends to have.
(I usually clean the spoon inbetween pictures of different matcha, seem to have forgotten this time; but it also means you can see a direct comparison on the spoon between leftover powder from the Chiyo Mukashi which was rather faded, and this bright one loaded on top.)
The smell of the powder is slightly sweet and earthy. The hot tea smells very nicely like slightly sweet wakame :)
Taste
This one leans right into my favorite taste profile again, similar to the ones I have also rated highly, and very close to my personal favorite, the Gabaron. I like my matcha on a nuttier, chocolate-y, umami taste, so that means little bitterness, no zest, or fruity or grassy notes.
Conclusion
I really have nothing that bothered me about this one. The powder nicely mixed with the water, it didn't settle too fast, it wasn't clumpy, the color and smell were good, and the taste fit my preferences. It worked well for both hot and iced. I will miss it when it runs out; it has been the clear preference from the three I have currently in my fridge.
π΅π΅π΅π΅π΅ 5 out of 5 matcha bowls.