Shoju No Shiro from AOI Seicha is a full bodied, rich and bold ceremonial grade matcha. The bright vibrant green powder has an inviting aroma of a delicate, sweet toasted rice cracker that develops into a deep umami note that is reminiscent of seaweed. This matcha blend has a very pronounced creamy start that leads on to more savoury, rich but bright vegetal notes as it passes through the mouth. A fleeting moment of gentle bitterness and astringency is present before it quickly disappears and ends with the sweet earthiness of cacao. Very much suited to the latte drinker due to the richness and depth of this blend.
AOI Seicha traces its roots back to the development of Nishio tea in the heart of Aichi prefecture.Nishio has been known the world over as the cradle of the finest Matcha for more than 800 years. Some of Japan's highest quality teas come from Nishio, known as a historic tea cultivating region dating back to the 13th century.
The Honda family name is considered one of the prominent samurai families in ancient Japan, particularly during the Sengoku (Warring States) and Edo periods. Though not initially part of higher nobility, the Honda clan rose to prominence through their service to the Tokugawa family. The hollyhock (tachi-aoi) crest is the symbol mark of AOI Seicha and is also the family crest of the Honda family, and shares a close relation to a more well-known crest, the (Mitsuba Aoi) associated with the Tokugawa clan (and Shogunate), one of the most powerful samurai families during the Edo period (1603 - 1868).
In the early Taisho era (1900s), Honda Yasutaro reclaimed barren farmland in Nishio and opened a tea plantation, marking the beginning of Aoi Seicha. Production was done completely by hand till the 1930s when the second generation owner, Meiji Honda automated their production. Under his guidance, Nishio Tea grew in repute. He served as president of the Nishio Tea Association, town council member, prefectural assembly member and the chairman of the Aichi Prefecture Tea Business Federation. During the National Tea Competition held in Nishio City in 1955, he won the Tencha division cementing the foundations of Aoi Seicha and Nishio tea. Subsequent heads of the Honda family have progressively made various improvements to AOI Seicha, with the sole aim of allowing its tea to come to be highly acclaimed around the world.
Serving Recommendations
Usucha (Thin Tea) Recommended amount per cup: 2g (sift for a smoother consistency)
Servings Per Tin: Averages 15-17 cups of tea
Water Temperature: 60ml of water at 80ºC
Weight | 30g
Origin | Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
