16/08/2026
Sharing a user's review on one of our matcha selections:
A very enjoyable matcha with a strong personality, as mentioned in the description. I was inspired to get a new whisk for koicha-style so that I could experience Setsubai in its full glory – and I’m glad I did.
4 grams gently kneaded in 40 grams of water using a Matsuo-ryū naka-araho whisk renders quite an intense experience, to say the least, with dense yet vivid flavors that lean towards earthy, brothy, seaweed, and mushroom-like, rather than green or grassy.
The interplay between the strong umami and persistent briny qualities makes this one worth savoring, regardless of if it’s kneaded flat, whisked finely, or dare I say foamed aggressively?
Although I continue to learn and practice with a 1:10 ratio, I find myself gravitating towards 1:20 and using 5 grams of matcha in 100 grams of water. I get a really nice, clean, subtle and neutral note of persimmon fruit that seems to hold the composure of this entire flavor profile together.
Even at 1:50 and beyond, the flavors and personality of this tea come through despite them being relatively thinned out initially. The flavors stack in the background and eventually come to the forefront, planting themselves firmly on the palate. It’s nice to see matcha with this kind of torque.
I’m on my second tin and I don’t think it will be my last.
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Product:
Tea Hong Nishio Matcha Setsubai, Ōn Koicha Supreme
Reviewer:
N.N.
Review date:
2026/08/08
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