Aoarashi

This is Aarashiyu from Marukyu Koyamaen.. Upon opening the tin, the powder had a vibrant green shade and a chocolatey aroma with slight floral notes.. It sifted smoothly and whisked up into a nice microfoam.. When mixed with my usual oat milk in a latte, it tasted mellow and light bodied.. I picked up hints of nuttiness and a bit of umami with some tartness and slight astringency as well.. Because I personally prefer a medium to full bodied matcha, I give this one a 3 out of 5.

I don't really like this one. It lacks, like, everything I like in a matcha. Like, it's not that creamy. It lacks depth. It's also slightly bitter and astringent. I wouldn't even call this, like, a good starter matcha. I would not repurchase this again. I'm gonna be ranking this as my least favorite.

I opened this blend not expecting to have the same experience from wako. It leans more on the vegetal and nutty side, less sweetness and no umami, with a slight astringency. As an usucha, it is decent and has a lingering vegetal aftertaste. When used in a latte, it is like a punch in the face matcha, mixing itself with the milk in a way I didn’t enjoy. I think I prefer this better as an usucha than as a latte. Would I repurchase this? No. But I think it is still a good matcha given its affordability and taste profile. It’s a good blend when you’re new to making homemade matcha. Rating: 6/10.