Today’s matcha is from a new cultivar that hasn’t hit commercial production. Naoki Matcha’s Chiran Matcha 2019 Limited Edition is from Chiran region in Kagoshima Prefecture using the SeiMei Cultivar. Googling up the SeiMei cultivar doesn’t get too many hits, but I do find a paper dated in 2018.
Matcha Powder and Preparation
The matcha powder smells of mowed flowers and chestnut shells.
I used 2 grams of matcha powder, usucha style, whisked in 5oz/150ml low temperature (175F/79c) water.
Chiran Matcha whisks up amazingly well and high amounts of foam.
I did a finger drag test across the surface and it was just foam.
Tasting of Naoki Matcha’s Chiran Matcha 2019 Limited Edition
Chiran Matcha is heavily creamy and umami meaty, tasting like a king oyster mushroom and fresh blades of grass. Some sips are a bit buttery and the texture of the matcha is thick and oily on the lips. After sipping, there is a lingering fresh perfume of grass and cream. There is not a lick of bitterness and very little astringency.
As it cools, Chiran Matcha shows even more umami meaty profile, drinking upfront very savory before sinking into a sweet peas and grass.
Iced
To do my iced matcha, I whisked in 2 grams of matcha in the warm water, then topped with ice and cold water.
Chiran Matcha is quite similar tasting iced, with a mushroom and grassy freshness, with a heavy creamy and buttery taste and texture. It is a bit sweeter iced, which is to be expected, but this time I am also getting a lightly floral aftertaste.
Comments
Overall, Chiran is excellent matcha that is heavy on the savory and grassy side, but also sweet in the finish. I think many would not find faults with this matcha as it preforms and tastes excellent.
Both traditional and iced preparations are delicious – I can’t decide which I like more other than I know they both are a treat to drink.
This matcha is $34.99 for a 40gram tin ($0.87 a gram / approx $1.74 a serving). It is available at Naoki Matcha’s shop or on Amazon.
At this time, I counted 10 different matchas that Naoki offers. I have previously reviewed Naoki Matcha’s Silver Yame blend if you are looking for something less expensive.
Naoki Matcha gave me the heads up they provide at 20% coupon if you sign up for their newsletter. But also feel free to contact them for recommendations for which of their matchas will match your tastes and they’ll hook you up with a code.
(matcha provided for review | Affiliate Links)
