Nishio, Aichi

西尾 極上御濃茶 雪梅

Plum blossoms in the snow

In the southern tip of Aichi prefecture before reaching the Mikawa Bay connecting to the Pacific Ocean, there is a small region that is known as the matcha capital amongst Japanese tea professionals — Nishio. A family farm which began tea production here since the end of 19th century is still thriving here. Two young cousins now run the setup: one oversees the tea farm, the other in the grinding facility. We were not convinced until we were each served with a small chawan of their koicha — the strong serving style as in Omotesenke おもてせんけ tea ceremony — so there was no hiding behind the foamy texture as in usucha, nor the dairy distractions as in matcha latte. When a tea is delivered in such a dense package, every bit of it is clearly revealed. We were struck immediately by its distinctive character: a refreshing “sea character” with a complex, engaging taste profile that is profoundly different from all the other matcha we have had from other regions. To us, it is this uncompromising insistence on its own strong character, rather than following trends toward softer, milder tastes, that deeply resonates. Introducing the best product from the Matcha Capital of Japan, Nishio Matcha Setsubai. Like the plum tree that blossoms even in the snow, a tea with a steadfast spirit that has won our respect. Net weight: 30g (1.06oz) in pull-lid tincan