-
About our
premium select seriesKanza / Kuon
The tea plant, a member of the camellia family, becomes astringent when exposed to the sun. So this matcha is made exclusively with young tea leaves carefully cultivated in tea fields that were completely covered in order to create a highly shaded area to curb astringency and bring out richer sweetness. Growing new leaf buds while keeping them in near-darkness is extremely challenging. Considerable experience is needed to achieve the skill required to manufacture tea that brings out the ingredients of the delicate, freshly picked young tea leaves to their fullest.
Only a limited quantity of these carefully handpicked, premium select tea leaves can be grown. The ultimate expression of tea growers’ passion for Japanese tea, this matcha has a flavour that should be savoured.
A great pick-me-up in the morning.
How does it taste?
Bringing out the best of carefully selected tea leaves, Kuon matcha achieves a beautiful balance, with outstanding vivid green colour and rich flavour, aftertaste, and fragrance. The following are some comments by our Ippodo blenders and tasting team.
“Kuon feels clean and refreshing, in both the umami at the start and in the aftertaste. Comparing it side-by-side with Kanza, its crisp aftertaste reminds me of the feeling I get when drinking white wine. I enjoy drinking Kuon in the morning while I’m still waking up. Taking a sip of its refreshing, crisp taste is like pressing a start button for my body and my spirits. I would also suggest pairing it with something a little sweet, for a palate-cleansing experience.”
PRESIDENT WATANABE, 7th generation
“Kuon has a strong fragrance and a deep flavour, and a while after the first impression, I begin to very slightly sense a touch of crisp astringency.”
CHAIRMAN WATANABE, 6th generation
How/when to enjoy it?
It’s great for waking up in the morning, before a meeting or presentation, or when making a new start in life. Its rich fragrance invigorates you on important occasions and when making a new start, and its crisp, refreshing taste helps you get going, both mentally and physically.
What to enjoy it with?
We recommend preparing Kuon straight, as pure matcha, and savouring the wonderful fragrance that rises into the air and its crisp, refreshing taste. Have it with something slightly sweet like dark chocolate or marron glacé to savour matcha’s mild taste.
How do Ippodo staff use it?
We whisk it using water that has been cooled slightly to draw out mellow sweetness and umami. It makes a good drink to enjoy when relaxing for a quiet time while reading alone.
-
StrengthLight/easy to drink Rich/satisfying
-
TasteBitter/sharp Sweet/umami
-
FragranceMild Fragrant/aromatic
Basic usucha (matcha)
- 2g
- 60ml
- 80℃
- 15 sec.
1 Sift 2g of matcha (1.5 heaped tea ladles or 1 level teaspoon)
2 Add 60ml of hot water (80°C)
3 Whisk vigorously for 15 seconds
Preparing the usucha quickly is the secret to enjoying the full fragrance.
Basic koicha (matcha)
- 4g
- 30ml
- 80℃
- 15 sec.
1 Sift 4g of matcha (3 heaped tea ladles or 2 level teaspoons)
2 Add 30ml of hot water (80°C)
3 Mix slowly with a whisk for 15 seconds
- Kuon 20g Can
- Size of Package : Dia.5.3 x H5.2 cm
- Net Weight : 20 grams
- Per Serving : 2 grams (usucha) 4 grams (koicha)
- Ingredients : Green tea (Japan)
- Shelf Life : 180 days