Found in less than 1% of matcha produced in Japan. Only 38kg made this season. Seimei single cultivar from Yame, Fukuoka — gentle sweetness, refined finish, and a balance of freshness and depth that is rare in every sense of the word.
Description
One of the finest matchas in the Maison Koko range, a rare and beautifully balanced ceremonial matcha crafted from the Seimei cultivar, found in less than 1% of all matcha produced in Japan, grown in Yame, Fukuoka, one of Japan's most esteemed tea regions.
This is a matcha of quiet refinement. Shade-grown to develop a vibrant, luminous green colour and finely ground to achieve a silky smooth texture and a frothy, clean finish.
It opens with a soft, clean aroma before revealing a well-rounded flavour, delicate sweetness with a natural milkiness, mild astringency gently balanced by moderate umami, finishing with a refined elegance that lingers softly. A well-balanced matcha with both freshness and depth, as rewarding on the first cup as the hundredth.
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Best for: Daily use, traditional tea ceremonies, and matcha lattes
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Cultivar: 100% Seimei (found in less than 1% of matcha in Japan)
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Style: Balanced, refreshing, elegantly smooth
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Finish: Refined, soft, and gently lingering
Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, Sugar-Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian.
A note on packaging: Tin and pouch colours may vary. Colours are assigned at random and cannot be selected at this time.
*Tasting notes and colour descriptions reflect general sensory perception and data provided by our supplier, and may vary by individual preference, preparation method, and seasonal batch. We do our best to describe each product as accurately as possible.
*The image is for reference purposes only. The actual colour may vary slightly due to differences in the seasonal batch.
Why Seimei Cultivar?
Seimei is one of Japan's newest and rarest registered cultivars, officially introduced in 2019 and present in less than 1% of all matcha fields in the country. Bred for both exceptional flavour clarity and resilience, it represents a considered balance between the heritage of Japanese tea cultivation and the future of it.
Grown in the misty, mineral-rich hills of Yame, Fukuoka, Seimei develops a profile that is clean, refreshing, and well-rounded. Its natural milkiness and delicate sweetness make it approachable for everyday drinking, while its moderate umami, vivid green colour, and refined finish give it the depth and distinction that place it among the very top expressions in the Maison Koko collection.
Seimei vs Other Cultivars
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Harmonious Flavour: Seimei offers a balanced flavour profile, with moderate sweetness and umami, making it less intense than Kanayamidori and Okumidori.
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Vibrant Green Hue: Similar to most of other cultivars, Seimei produces a vibrant green colour, though it is typically brighter than the deeper green of Kanayamidori and Okumidori.
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Moderate Umami: While it has a noticeable umami presence, Seimei’s umami is more balanced and less pronounced than Kanayamidori, Okumidori, and Saemidori.
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Smooth and Light: Compared to Saemidori’s rich creaminess and Kanayamidori’s and Okumidori's bolder intensity, Seimei offers a smoother, lighter experience, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle matcha.
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Well-Rounded Taste: Offers a more balanced and refreshing taste compared to the full-bodied Okumidori and the delicate Tsuyuhikari.
Note: This comparison is based on general perceptions and can vary depending on individual taste preferences.
Ingredients
Ceremonial-grade green tea fine powder
Character
- Thickness: Light to medium, smooth and silky
- Sweetness: Delicate and milky, present from the first sip
- Umami: Moderate and balanced, neither heavy nor fleeting
- Vegetal notes: Fresh and clean, present without dominance
- Astringency: Mild and well-integrated, balanced by gentle sweetness
Origin
Yame, Fukuoka, Japan