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Yamamasa Koyamaen Tennouzan review

MS Rating

Not rated

Community Rating

Flavor Profile

Umami
5
Bitter
1
Astringent
1
Sweet
4

Product Details

Origin
Uji
Grade
Ceremonial
Cultivars
Unknown
Sizes
20g, 40g
Description

Pinnacle Yamamasa koicha; extraordinary umami depth, full vegetal, supreme ceremonial grade

Tennouzan - image 1

Expert Review

By Matcha Spot Team

TL;DR

Yamamasa Koyamaen's flagship koicha. The numbers say competition-tier matcha; the price says weekly use.

Overview

Yamamasa Koyamaen is less known internationally than Marukyu Koyamaen (different family, similar name), and Tennouzan is the top of their range. The flavor profile lines up with matchas selling for two or three times the price.

Flavor

Full umami, full vegetal, basically no bitterness. The sweetness is pronounced enough to balance the depth without flattening it. The profile is close to Marukyu Koyamaen's Kiwami Choan, which makes regional and stylistic sense.

Verdict

Koicha. At this price it is also the rare premium koicha that can stand a less precious daily use without feeling like a waste.

Where to Buy Tennouzan by Yamamasa Koyamaen

Get it from trusted vendors

Sazen Tea

Official

$1.53/g

Buy Now

Prices may vary. Click through to vendor sites for current pricing and availability.

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Community Reviews (2)

9.5 / 10

Deeply, deeply lovely ✨

Okay Tennouzan lives up to its reputation. The koicha is silky and rich with this gentle sweetness on top of all that umami. The aroma is slightly creamy?? Like it smells warm somehow. I had to be patient because I wasn't crazy about the first cup but by the third whisking I was hooked. Recommend giving it a few chances 🍵

Umami
5
Bitter
1
Astringent
1
Sweet
4
Traditional
4g matcha
175°F
1.5 oz water
8.5 / 10

I get it, but I don't get the obsession

Look I will not be the person who tells you Tennouzan is bad. It is plainly very good. It is also the most hyped Yamamasa SKU and I'm starting to think it's because the name sounds cool. Umami is rich, sweetness is harmonious, etc. But I expected fireworks and got a really nice candle. Probably my own fault for letting reddit set my expectations.

Umami
5
Bitter
1
Astringent
1
Sweet
4
Traditional
4g matcha
175°F
2 oz water