Saihōji
Tsutsui Paradise
Tasted June 2nd 2020
About Saihōji: The company was started in the United Kingdom by a fellow named James, a lawyer by day and matcha enthusiast by night. Unsatisfied with what he was tasting in the U.K., James set out for Japan to taste all the matcha he could find. Although his passion for matcha began as a hobby, it quickly grew into a business as James wanted to share the superb flavors of the high quality matchas he discovered with his fellow Westerners. The company is named after the Saihō-ji moss temple in Kyoto. The temple is known for its stunning moss garden and an atmosphere of calm and reflection (check out the pictures on the website for some serenity). Saihō-ji matcha aims to capture and provide the meditative qualities of the garden through their specialty blends. They offer three ceremonial grade matcha blends. A unique feature of each blend is the labeling, which identifies the green tea varieties used in its making. I have yet to find other companies that provide this type of detail. Saihōji also offers matcha-ware made by Japanese artisans. James’s love and passion for matcha shines through every aspect of the brand, including their informative and detailed website, sleek and modern product design, and of course the superb quality of their matcha powder.
About Blend: Tsutsui Paradise is a combination of Samidori and Gokou green tea from Wazuka, Kyoto in Japan. Of the three blends, Tsutsui is the most expensive. The website describes it as having intense umami notes and a complex flavor profile.
Price: $44.00 per 20 grams
Scent: Notes of seaweed, spinach, as well as creamy and fruity undertones.
Tsutsui Paradise Matcha Review
Color: Electric and vibrant green. Points 4.75
Foam: A thin layer of uneven bubbles that requires longer whisking time to build a smooth froth. The rich, velvety texture raised this category's score. Points 3
Taste: A pronounced brothy umami and seaweed flavors, that are well balanced with roasted notes of kale, fresh pea shoots, and toasted rice. The blend is earthy, and reminiscent of fall. There is a light honey like sweetness that appears at the end of each sip. Points 4.5
Final Score: 4.1 out of 5 points
Thoughts: The blend definitely lives up to its marketing. If you’ve ever wondered what umami tastes like or how matcha can have a balanced and low bitterness, you will find those answers in this blend. I recommend drinking Tsutsui Paradise without any additives because milk takes away from its beautiful complexity. It has a mellow energy that compliments meditation and work alike. If you are looking for a similar blend from the USA, I find Breakaway Matcha Blend 97 compatible. I will be adding Tsutsui Paradise to my favorites list!