Trying out the cheapest blend from Japan’s well known matcha brand, Itoh Kyuemon Uji no Shiro. It’s marketed as suitable for making sweets and cooking and it’s the most bitter, so proceed with caution. Upon first sip, it has grassy notes underpinned by mild sweetness and umami. The bitterness certainly makes its presence known, but it’s surprisingly not overwhelming, as the sweetness somehow balances it. Despite an early onset of medium astringency, the overall profile manages to remain balanced and approachable. While it remains a grassy-forward matcha, the bitterness is reduced to a minimum. Still a palatable usucha for those who dare to drink it straight. Honestly, the quality of this matcha is remarkable for its price point. Although there’s a slight astringency remaining, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it is still a very solid matcha for daily lattes.