{"product_id":"aoi-seicha-matcha-miou","title":"Matcha - Miou (Master Blend - Limited Release)","description":"\u003cp\u003eMiou is a pinnacle ceremonial grade matcha crafted by AOI Seicha in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's principal matcha growing regions. Sitting just below Shiou within AOI Seicha's highest ceremonial offerings for 2025, it is crafted primarily for okōicha and represents one of the most refined thick tea expressions in the range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with AOI Seicha's finest matcha, Miou is defined not by a single dominant characteristic but by its balance. Sweetness, umami, vegetal depth and subtle aromatics are carefully composed so that each element supports the next. This harmony is the hallmark of a master blend, reflecting AOI Seicha's decades of expertise in selecting, blending and finishing matcha intended for elevated tea preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for koicha, Miou balances depth, warmth and clarity, offering a composed and deeply satisfying thick tea experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe powder is an exceptionally vibrant green with a sweet, comforting fragrance. Notes of cocoa and lightly toasted rice cracker feel warm rather than heavy, creating an immediate sense of calm in the aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKoicha preparation demands a particular level of refinement. At this concentration, balance becomes paramount. Sweetness, umami and texture must remain composed, allowing the tea's complexity to unfold without bitterness or imbalance. Miou meets this expectation with remarkable poise, revealing its layered character gradually from first sip to finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepared as okōicha, Miou unfolds in even, measured layers. Deep umami emerges first, supported by dark leafy green notes that remain smooth and well balanced. The texture is silky and creamy, coating the mouth gently without weight. As the tea moves across the palate, vegetal and umami tones linger rather than strike, creating a seamless progression from beginning to end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA gentle sweetness emerges towards the finish, accompanied by soft nuttiness and faint cocoa warmth. Floral notes appear quietly in the background, adding lift without distraction. There is no bitterness or astringency. Miou begins warm and comforting, then brightens as it opens, leaving behind a smooth, resolved sweetness and a long, calming finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst Shiou represents the pinnacle of rarity and allocation within AOI Seicha's ceremonial collection, Miou offers entry into the producer's highest level of blending expertise. It is a matcha distinguished by harmony rather than intensity alone, rewarding attentive preparation with depth, composure and remarkable drinkability. For those seeking a true koicha experience, Miou stands as one of the most compelling expressions within AOI Seicha's ceremonial range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs usucha, Miou retains elegance and depth, though its true character is best experienced in thick preparation. With milk, it is best approached with restraint. A small splash may be explored sparingly, preserving its structure and layered sweetness rather than transforming it into a full latte.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1456\" data-start=\"1437\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1456\" data-start=\"1437\"\u003eBest suited for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1513\" data-start=\"1457\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1466\" data-start=\"1457\" data-section-id=\"4ot8qq\"\u003eOkōicha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1480\" data-start=\"1467\" data-section-id=\"1rmfltt\"\u003eRich usucha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1513\" data-start=\"1481\" data-section-id=\"utt5px\"\u003eMinimal milk applications only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1539\" data-start=\"1515\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1539\" data-start=\"1515\"\u003eRecommended pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1825\" data-start=\"1540\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1571\" data-start=\"1540\" data-section-id=\"ltqtdp\"\u003eChestnut yokan or kuri kinton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1606\" data-start=\"1572\" data-section-id=\"s1cnwy\"\u003eFinanciers or hazelnut dacquoise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1606\" data-start=\"1572\" data-section-id=\"s1cnwy\"\u003ePear and almond tart\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1727\" data-start=\"1683\" data-section-id=\"1odx24r\"\u003eComté or aged Gouda served with fresh pear\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1825\" data-start=\"1767\" data-section-id=\"1v7e5d8\"\u003eChicken, ham and cheese or cucumber tea sandwiches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1554\" data-start=\"1513\" data-section-id=\"aqh8hr\"\u003eOat biscuits or toasted sesame biscuits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1588\" data-start=\"1555\" data-section-id=\"1artx38\"\u003eTriple cream brie with oat biscuits or toasted sesame biscuits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1588\" data-start=\"1555\" data-section-id=\"1artx38\"\u003eSteamed dumlings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1588\" data-start=\"1555\" data-section-id=\"1artx38\"\u003eCongee with chicken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1588\" data-start=\"1555\" data-section-id=\"1artx38\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnigiri \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight | 30g Approx. 15 servings per 2g bowl\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin | Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSuggested preparation: 2g matcha | 60–70ml water | 75–80°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Producer\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAOI Seicha traces its roots to Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's most important matcha producing regions. Tea cultivation in Nishio dates back more than 800 years, while the company's founding family, the Honda family, carries a lineage associated with the Tachi Aoi crest, a symbol closely connected to the hollyhock crest of the Tokugawa shogunate and the samurai traditions of the Mikawa region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAOI's modern tea business began in 1912 during the early Taisho period, when Yasutaro Honda established tea cultivation under Shunkoen Tea Factory. Drawing upon both the tea heritage of Nishio and generations of Honda family stewardship, AOI Seicha developed into one of the region's most respected matcha specialists. In 1955, the company won the Tencha division at the National Tea Competition, helping cement its standing within Japan's tea industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, AOI Seicha continues to work with highly regarded growers and competition recognised tea farmers across Japan, refining matcha intended for both traditional tea preparation and contemporary appreciation worldwide. Its teas reflect the qualities for which Nishio has become renowned: sweetness, depth, balance and exceptional performance in both usucha and okōicha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eStorage | Keep airtight and refrigerated. Consume within 4–6 weeks of opening.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1859\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(231, 127, 106);\"\u003eBest before dates on matcha are a guideline. When stored correctly kept airtight and refrigerated or frozen the tea maintains its quality well beyond this window. In our experience, it remains stable for up to 12 weeks. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/easternhillgs.com\/pages\/gourmet-food\" title=\"Best Before Guidelines for Food\" style=\"color: rgb(231, 127, 106);\"\u003eRead about NSW Best Before Guidelines here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AOI Seicha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47232662077670,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0170\/9420\/files\/AOI_Seicha_Matcha_Miou.jpg?v=1767165078","url":"https:\/\/easternhillgs.com\/ja\/products\/aoi-seicha-matcha-miou","provider":"Eastern Hill General Supplies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}