Preparing the Perfect Bowl

To experience the full depth of the Grand Tea Ceremony Select, one must prepare it with intention. This grade is best enjoyed as Usucha (thin tea)—a pure, unadulterated expression of Uji’s finest harvest.

1. The Preparation

Preheat your Chawan (tea bowl) with warm water, then wipe it completely dry. This warmth helps the matcha bloom. Using a fine-mesh sifter, sift 1.5g to 2g (two bamboo scoops) of matcha into the bowl. This ensures a silky, lump-free texture and a delicate "crema."

2. The Water

Purity is paramount. Use filtered water heated to exactly $80^{\circ}C$. Never use boiling water, as it will scald the delicate amino acids and mask the sweet umami with bitterness. Pour 60ml - 70ml of water gently over the powder.

3. The Whisk

Using a traditional bamboo Chasen (whisk), use your wrist to whisk vigorously in a "W" or "M" motion—not a circular one. Continue for 20 seconds until a dense, fine-beaded froth with an electric-green hue covers the surface.

4. The Moment

Hold the bowl with both hands, breathe in the "Ooika" (the unique shaded aroma), and sip immediately. Notice the buttery mouthfeel and the lingering, floral sweetness that defines the world’s most elite matcha.

Key Tips for the Purist:

• No Milk, No Sugar: This grade is designed to be tasted in its natural state. Adding milk will mask the complex flavor profile you’ve invested in.
• Storage: Keep your tin in a cool, dark place (or the refrigerator) to preserve the vibrant color and delicate nutrients.
  

Reserved for the Bowl

The Grand Tea Ceremony Select is a masterpiece of Japanese agriculture, crafted specifically for traditional preparation. Because of its delicate amino acid profile and refined sweetness, this grade is intended exclusively for drinking as a pure tea.

To truly honor the craftsmanship of the Uji tea masters, we recommend against using this selection for:

• Lattes or Smoothies: The subtle nuances of this premium harvest are designed to be savored on their own; milk and sweeteners will overwhelm its complex character.
• Baking or Cooking: High heat destroys the vibrant color and delicate nutrients that make this grade world-class.

For your daily lattes and culinary creations, we invite you to explore our Latte Grade Matcha—engineered to be bold and resilient. Grand Tea Ceremony Select remains a dedicated ritual: pure, focused, and unadulterated.

An Orchestra of Umami

Drinking the Grand Tea Ceremony Select is a high-definition sensory experience. Unlike standard matcha, which can often lean towards a grassy or "hay-like" bitterness, this selection is defined by its deep, savory sweetness and absolute purity.

The Flavor Journey
The first sip greets you with a concentrated "Umami" explosion—a rich, savory-sweetness reminiscent of fresh sea air and toasted nuts. This is followed by a delicate, floral middle note known as Ooika (the noble scent of shaded tea), finally drifting into a long, nectar-like finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate without a hint of astringency.

The Mouthfeel: "Liquid Silk"
Prepare for a texture that is profoundly luxurious. Because our leaves are stone-ground to a microscopic five-micron density, the mouthfeel is creamy, heavy, and velvet-smooth. When whisked correctly, the froth creates a "micro-foam" that feels like liquid silk, coating the palate in a rich, buttery embrace that calms the senses and focuses the mind.