Will there be a Matcha Kinrin, a proud offering from the house of Marukyu Koyamaen, nestled snugly in your tea pantry soon? It’s worth considering.
Like an elusive gatekeeper, Kinrin welcomes us into the world of the glorious thick matcha – koicha. It treads delicately on the edge of tartness, that seems to tease before disappearing into the great abyss that the rest of the vastly expensive and premium koicha offerings seem to fill. When worn in the guise of usucha, thin matcha, it has a penchant for revealing a symphony of soft, creamy, grassy notes. A performance, I might add, that leaves the rest of the matcha cousins in its portfolio just a smidge green with envy.
Ah, but do not underestimate the tempestuous nature of this green sprite. The secret to unveiling Kinrin’s charm lies in your mastery of setting the water to the precise 80 degrees Celsius. Stray too far away from this chiseled path, and you risk incurring the wrath of bitterness. A lesson in humility as much in flavor, don’t you think?
Once brewed, Kinrin resembles a prima ballerina – delicate, graceful, and certainly not one to be kept waiting. Ignore it at your peril as the dreaded bitterness looms ominously!
Kinrin, proudly hailing from Kyoto Pref., Japan, bears a seductive scent and an umami after-taste. Its deep green allure, its smooth lush feel – all whisper tales of its high-quality roots from Uji, Kyoto. Furthermore, many connoisseurs have opined it as an excellent value, a contender amongst more expensive rivals. However, it’s essential to remember that matcha is a dance of individuality, and Kinrin’s strong grassiness may not jive perfectly with all palates.
Let’s step back a moment and, in true Japanese manner, discuss the matter of its cost. A 20g tin approximately comes around $18. There’s no denying the premium, but for this quality of matcha, it justifies itself handsomely.
So, should you invite this captivating green diva to grace your tea ceremony? Undoubtedly, if you seek a balance between cost and a high-quality introduction to koicha. An extra level of care is needed to bring out its best attributes, but then the best things in life rarely are effortless. Whether you’re a seasoned matcha enthusiast or a beginner ready to explore, Kinrin Matcha opens avenues to an immersive, high-quality matcha experience. Do give it a whisk!