#matchareview

There’s something unforgettable about your first ceremonial matcha — the anticipation, the curiosity, the “am I doing this right?” kind of moment. For me, that experience came in the form of Marukyu Koyamaen’s Chigi no Shiro, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.

This was my very first time trying ceremonial-grade matcha, and to say I was excited is an understatement. Marukyu Koyamaen is a trusted name in the matcha world, and Chigi no Shiro is one of their most well-known blends for a reason. As soon as I opened the tin, I was hit with a rich, vibrant green powder and an aroma that was earthy, sweet, and slightly nutty — it already felt special.

Whisking it felt like a little ceremony in itself. The powder bloomed into a thick, velvety foam that looked and smelled divine. On first sip, I was genuinely surprised — in the best way. It was smooth and round, with a mellow umami and a gentle sweetness that lingered beautifully on the tongue. No bitterness, no sharp edges — just a clean, balanced cup that made me pause and appreciate the moment.

What struck me most about Chigi no Shiro was its approachability. As someone who was just starting to explore ceremonial matcha, I didn’t feel overwhelmed or confused by its flavor. It wasn’t trying too hard to impress — it just was. Subtle. Steady. Centering.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from drinking matcha almost daily, it’s that not every cup needs to be a whole ritual. Sometimes, you just want to whisk something quick and comforting — no extra steps, no precision tools, no weighing or sifting. That’s where Marukyu Koyamaen’s Sweetened Matcha comes in. It’s the kind of matcha that doesn’t ask for much, but gives you a lot in return.

Coming from Marukyu Koyamaen, a highly respected and centuries-old tea house based in Uji, Kyoto, the quality is exactly what you’d expect — clean, vibrant, and dependable. This isn’t your ultra-complex ceremonial grade matcha with layers to decode. It’s more like your dependable, everyday bestie — always there when you need it.

What I really appreciate about this sweetened blend is how well-balanced it is. The sweetness doesn’t overpower the matcha at all — which, let’s be honest, is a common issue with many instant blends. Instead, it complements the grassy freshness and mild umami that matcha fans love, creating a smooth, slightly creamy profile that’s very easy to enjoy. It’s sweet but not too sweet, with just enough depth to still feel like you’re drinking real matcha and not a green sugar bomb.

It’s especially great for those lazy days when you’re craving matcha but don’t want to go through the full ceremonial prep. No sifting, no hunting for the perfect water temp — just scoop, whisk, and enjoy. Add hot water for a quick, cozy drink, or pour it over ice and milk for a refreshing, lightly sweetened matcha latte. Either way, it works.

So I finally got to try Kanbayashi Shunsho’s Mozo Mukashi Matcha — not from a fancy tin, but from a humble little trial-size box that someone bought for me. This matcha comes from one of Kyoto’s most respected tea houses, with over 450 years of tea-making tradition behind it, so I was definitely curious to see what the hype was about. (Thank you, R, for buying me this matcha!)

Upon opening the tin, the powder had a beautiful, deep green hue and a soft, earthy aroma. I whisked it up and took my first sip… and the first thing that came to mind? Sweet potatoes. I don’t know if it’s just me, but there was this subtle, warm sweetness — not quite grassy, not quite nutty — that reminded me of roasted Japanese sweet potatoes. It wasn’t unpleasant at all; just super unexpected. The texture was smooth and easy to whisk, though the overall flavor was a little more mellow than I expected for a ceremonial matcha. Not too bitter, lightly umami, and very drinkable.

When I opened the packet, the powder had a rich green color and a slightly toasty, earthy aroma. I whisked it up and took a sip… and to my surprise, it had this oddly comforting taste that reminded me of sweet potatoes. Yup — sweet potatoes. There was a mild, natural sweetness and a warm, starchy undertone that caught me off guard in the best way. Maybe it’s just my taste buds, but that flavor note definitely stood out!

The texture was smooth and easy to whisk, though the overall flavor was a little more mellow than I expected for a ceremonial matcha. Not too bitter, lightly umami, and very drinkable.