Ummon-no-Mukashi from Ippodo Tea is part of their top tier of matcha. A rich, full bodied blend, Ummon-no-Mukashi can be served as both a koicha or usucha. The powder is extremely finely milled and a bright, vibrant emerald green colour. The fragrance is layered, initial wafts of refreshing new leaves and earthy sweet cacao is dominated by deep vegetal aromas akin to seaweed. Similar to its scent profile, the taste is complex thanks to the multitude of layers that unfold over time. The texture is soft and delicate whilst the flavour is full bodied, bold, deep and rich*. From the initial taste, you'll get smooth, sweet yet deep vegetal notes. With no bitterness and very little astringency, an umami creaminess envelops the mouth. With a long finish, the green, vegetal and creamy notes linger. Not an every day tea, this tea deserves the drinker's attention and we recommend savouring this blend slowly, allowing the aroma and flavour layers to unfold, serving it sans milk. Ideal for those who prefer a stronger matcha with bold vegetal forward notes. It pairs well with sweets and baked goods.
Many of the Ippodo matcha names were given by the heads of respective schools of tea ceremony in Kyoto.Ummon-no-Mukashi is favoured by Zabosai Sosho XVI, the grand master of the Urasenke school of tea.
Ippodo's origins date back three centuries to the year 1717, when Rihei Watanabe established a shop called Omiya to sell tea and ceramics. In 1846, the shop was renamed Ippodo, which literally means “preserve one.” The name was bestowed by Prince Yamashina, who enjoyed Ippodo tea and wanted the shop to preserve one tradition: providing high quality tea. This family owned business is now in the hands of its 6th and 7th generation. Drawing from 300 years of expertise, Ippodo's labor-intensive production process involves carefully handpicking, shade growing and stone grounding the tea leaves which gives them their full-bodied and umami-filled flavour. The result is an authentic flavour that delicately blends the rich umami taste with a refined sweetness. Imbued with each brew is the concept of ichi-go ichi-e (meaning: one opportunity, one encounter), a wisdom taught in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony that embraces each fleeting moment with tea.
Serving Recommendations
Usucha (Thin Tea) Recommended amount per cup: 2g
Servings Per Tin: Averages 20-24 cups of tea
Water Temperature: 60ml of water at 80ºC
Koicha (Thick Tea) Recommended amount per cup: 4g
Servings per Tin: Averages 10-12 cups of tea
Water Temperature: 30ml of water at 80ºC
Under the Ippodo Tea Rich classification, this equates to more depth, lingering taste and more pronounced umami and sweetness.
Weight | 40g
Origin | Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Announcement from Ippodo Tea • Due to increased packaging, production and raw material costs, Ippodo Tea has increased their price from 1.10.2024. Information from the brand available here. In line with this price increase, our price adjustments for Ippodo Tea will come into effect 21.10.2024.
