T2

Just finished off my box of Raspberry Rush with much sadness. This is a lovely tea, that I enjoy with lots of milk and a dash of vanilla syrup. Perfect before bed!

Oh My Goodness!!!! Coconut and White Chocolate. I initially ummed and Ahhed about the $22 price tag, but when i had a sample instore i purchased it straight away. its my “treat myself” tea its so smooth and delicious. Will be buying more for sure. Again about the price $22 is a lot in comparison to other T2 teas & tea in general, but i will go out shopping and pay $5 for a latte so $1 per pot is reasonable.

The first matcha I ever tried served traditionally, as a whisked usucha (thin tea), and which, following some experimenting, I found I quite liked. Beware: do NOT follow T2’s preparation instructions. It uses about HALF the amount of matcha to water than is recommended by most Japanese sources that I have found (1 flat measured teaspoon to 150 mLs water – this is too much water). I recommend Marukyu-Koyamaen’s instructions for matcha here, http://www.marukyu-koyamaen.co.jp/english/enjoy/maccha.html, which suggest 1 flat measured teaspoon of matcha to 70mLs water.

Once I started using MK’s preparation instructions, I found that I enjoyed my matcha more. T2’s recipe makes for a VERY thin matcha, which was not as enjoyable, and in fact I found that the matcha tasted more bitter (less matcha + more hot water = higher likelihood of overbrewing and therefore more bitter flavours?). That said, once I found a recipe I liked, I found that I quite enjoyed this matcha. It has a very mild sweetness, and once I gained experience with my whisking technique, something approaching almost a creamy mouthfeel. I do have the feeling, however, that T2’s matcha is not quite koicha (thick tea) quality. As I try other matcha and learn more about the preparation, I’m sure I’ll review this one again. At any rate, it was a good introduction for me to the wonders of matcha, and a good reminder to always experiment in order to find what you like!

This tea is not cheap. But then who wants to drink cheap tea when you can drink AMAZING tea?! I’m sold.

Aroma: Delicate. Floral. Delicious. Rose petals, frangipani, melon and sugarcane play with balanced straw notes. Apricot jam and dried flowers come through on the second steeping, with straw characters starting to dominate after the third cup.

Palate: Deliciously subtle and sweet. An ethereal but enticing bouquet of sugarcane and straw notes with a balanced floral background. Sweet sugar cane and rose petals stay with you well after the last sip. Deeper straw notes shine on the second steeping, but the overall effect is still beautifully light and sweet.

Overall: Fantastic. I really loved this tea. Expensive but worth every cent.

Price: AUD$30/50g