Nine first-flush (first harvest of the season) and two second-flush (subsequent harvest) matcha samples, blind-coded and tasted in the usucha format — thin matcha whisked in water without milk — by a calibrated two-rater screening protocol across four sessions. Each specimen is graded across six sensory dimensions on a five-point scale, with overall scores out of ten.
Format
Usucha · Blind
Date Range
25–28 Apr 2026
Tasters
A · B (blind)
Composition
9 First-flush · 2 Second-flush
Total Tastings
30 across 11 samples
§ I · The Field
All eleven, ranked by combined overall.
Each cell links to its full specimen profile below. Combined overall is the mean of both tasters' overall scores; sample M167 served as the calibration anchor and was tasted five times by each rater.
† Reference point — estimated typical score for mass-market grocery-store matcha under this protocol. Not a measured rating; included as a category anchor for readers unfamiliar with specialty matcha.
§ II · The Specimens
In descending order of merit.
Each profile shows both raters' sensory polygons overlaid: Taster A in matcha green, Taster B in gold. Scores reflect averages where multiple tastings exist; second-flush samples are marked.
Moderately bright green. Astringent attack fades quickly. Similar to 167 but more full-bodied with shorter bitter tail. Strong latte candidate. → Validated in No. 03: ranks #2 in latte cohort.
Taster B7.7
Creamy and floral aroma; coated silky mouthfeel. Sweet-umami balance overall. Pleasant usucha without much bitterness or astringency. Clean finish.
Notably creamy, milky notes. Balanced profile; even top end and body. Minimal astringency and bitterness.
Taster B7.8
First usucha I wanted to finish without worrying about bitterness. Initial grassy aroma subsided quickly. Pleasant. Open to 217 representing Iro Tea as a usucha.
Warm, earthy vegetal aroma. Virtually no astringency or bitterness. Slightly grainy mouthfeel.
Taster B7.8
Warm floral aroma. Silky, coating mouthfeel; umami-blooming sweet mid-palate; savory finish. One of the most pleasant usucha experiences. May be too light for a latte.
For: Latte candidate→ Validated in No. 03: Recommended.
6.95Combined Overall
Taster A6.7
Taster B7.2
Taster A6.7
Warm green, faintly floral. Leaves more brightness and clarity to be desired. Balanced, neutral overall profile.
Taster B7.2
Relatively light coloration of flavor and texture. Light in flavor with slight bitterness — curious about latte format. Acceptable usucha, but not sure I'd return.
№ 05 of 11RecommendedRepeat-tasted · A×5 · B×5↑ The Field
M167
For: Latte candidate→ Mixed in No. 03: viable only sweetened (+0.81 uplift, highest in cohort)[5].
6.83Combined Overall
Taster A6.3
Taster B7.4
Taster A6.3
Simple green, grassy notes — moderate brightness, leans slightly bitter for usucha but controlled. Astringency could cut through milk well. Strong latte candidate.
Taster B7.4
Pleasant aroma with vivid mid-palate body. Microfoam contributes to silky, smooth mouthfeel. Acceptable usucha; clean savory echo. Possibly too bold for usucha — better fit for a latte.
Warmer green, grassy; could use a slight increase in brightness. Bitterness and astringency swell mid-palate.
Taster B7.2
Bold flavor profile and body. Fresh green, vegetal with hint of floral. Umami forward, clean attack, full body. Brothy with slight initial sweetness. Clean finish. Would love as a latte.
For: Latte candidate→ Over-optimistic in No. 03: sweetened-only at best.
6.65Combined Overall
Taster A6.4
Taster B6.9
Taster A6.4
Moderately bright green and grassy. Slight bitterness; suitable for usucha and could work through milk. Brighter than 217, less bright than 167. Slight dry finish; almost no astringency.
Taster B6.9
Clean finish. Strong attack but not astringent — described as forward rather than bitter. Want to try as a latte. Not most enjoyable usucha due to overwhelming boldness.
Dark, grassy. Thin and flat overall; strongly astringent and moderately bitter. Lacks clarity and definition. Weak candidate for usucha; likely weaker for latte. → Inverted in No. 03: milk and sweetener rescue it[4][5]; tier-upgraded from Reject.
Taster B5.4
First impression: bitter. Pleasant flavors underneath. Curious about latte form. Not my cup of usucha — bitter-forward profile. Healthy, strong green aroma.
Notably bitter, astringent (catechin-driven). Dark grassy with disproportionate bitterness. Unpleasant usucha.
Taster B3.0
First and latter impressions consistently bitter. Mid-palate built on bitterness through to tail end. Uncomfortably bitter attack; mouthfeel immediately grainy.