This matcha has a fragrant floral aroma and a light green color. It’s honestly so long since I’ve had a floral and refreshing matcha. I think the floral notes really took off at 80 C. It begins with a delicate balance between the sweet floral notes and light umami, progressing to a nutty umami flavor, with the floral notes maintaining its consistency. A subtle, complementary bitterness emerges near the end that matches well with the medium astringency, ending with sweet, clean aftertaste on the palate. Surprisingly, this matcha undergoes a dramatic flavor shift. The nutty umami flavor becomes prominent, completely overshadowing the delicate floral notes that were appreciated in usucha preparation. It's a shame that the floral notes were almost completely muted, resulting in a less nuanced experience. Despite it being one of the lower grades of Houkouen’s principal matcha, its unexpected depth was a pleasant discovery.