{"product_id":"ippodo-tea-ummon-no-mukashi","title":"Matcha - Ummon No Mukashi","description":"\u003cp\u003eUmmon no Mukashi is one of the most celebrated matcha within the Ippodo collection and sits among the producer's highest offerings. Suitable for both usucha and koicha preparation, it is recognised for its remarkable concentration, depth and composure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of Ippodo's matcha names were bestowed by successive heads of Kyoto's tea schools. Ummon no Mukashi is favoured by Zabosai Sōshō XVI, Grand Master of the Urasenke school, reflecting the long standing relationship between Ippodo and the tea ceremony tradition that has shaped Kyoto tea culture for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe powder is exceptionally fine and vibrant green, releasing a fragrance of young greens, sweet cream, cacao and deep savoury notes. The aroma alone hints at the concentration and refinement to follow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepared as usucha, Ummon no Mukashi immediately reveals a richness rarely encountered in everyday matcha. Sweetness, umami and vegetal character arrive together rather than separately, creating a seamless and integrated profile from the first sip. The texture is creamy and substantial without heaviness, coating the palate with remarkable smoothness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the tea develops, deeper layers emerge. Fresh spring greens give way to concentrated umami, subtle sweetness and gentle cocoa warmth. Despite its intensity, there is virtually no bitterness and only the faintest trace of astringency. Each component feels measured and deliberate, contributing to a tea that remains balanced even at high concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepared as koicha, Ummon no Mukashi reveals its true stature. The texture becomes velvety and dense whilst maintaining clarity and precision. Sweetness deepens, umami broadens and the finish lingers long after the final sip. The tea unfolds gradually rather than all at once, revealing layer after layer of flavour and aroma across the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes Ummon no Mukashi is not simply its intensity but its balance. Greater concentration often magnifies both strengths and shortcomings in matcha. Here, sweetness, umami, vegetal character and texture remain in harmony, allowing the tea to maintain elegance whether prepared as usucha or koicha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many drinkers, Ummon no Mukashi represents the point where exceptional matcha begins to reveal what makes the highest grades so compelling.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition Within the Range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCompared with Sayaka no Mukashi, Ummon no Mukashi offers greater concentration, sweetness, umami and persistence. It sits among Ippodo's highest matcha grades and serves as a bridge between exceptional everyday matcha and the producer's most prestigious ceremonial offerings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWeight | 20g Box\u003cbr\u003eOrigin | Kyoto prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest suited for\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e• Usucha\u003cbr\u003e• Koicha\u003cbr\u003e• Traditional tea ceremony preparation\u003cbr\u003e• Experienced matcha drinkers\u003cbr\u003e• Exploring Ippodo's highest matcha grades\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy with\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite peach, nectarines, nashi pear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack sesame tang yuan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlmond financiers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButter mochi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEgg tart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightly sweetened red bean pancakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ePreparation Recommendations\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsucha (Thin Tea)\u003cbr\u003eRecommended amount per cup: 2g (sift for a smoother, delicate consistency)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServings Per Tin: Averages 10 cups of tea\u003cbr\u003eWater Temperature: 60ml of water at 80ºC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKoicha (Thick Tea)\u003cbr\u003eRecommended amount per cup: 4g (sift for a smoother, delicate consistency)\u003cbr\u003eServings per Tin: Averages 5 cups of tea\u003cbr\u003eWater Temperature: 30ml of water at 80ºC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Producer\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFounded in Kyoto in 1717, Ippodo Tea has spent more than three centuries dedicated to Japanese tea. Originally established as Omiya by Rihei Watanabe, the business later received the name Ippodo from Prince Yamashina in recognition of its commitment to preserving a singular standard of quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Ippodo remains family owned and is overseen by the sixth and seventh generations. Whilst internationally recognised for matcha, the producer's expertise extends across the full spectrum of Japanese tea, from sencha and gyokuro through to everyday household favourites such as Mugicha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more than 300 years, Ippodo has focused on sourcing, blending and evaluating teas that are approachable, enjoyable and capable of enriching daily life. This philosophy continues to guide the producer today, whether crafting exceptional ceremonial matcha or some of Japan's most respected leaf teas.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ippodo Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45324671320294,"sku":"","price":69.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0170\/9420\/files\/Ippodo_Tea_Ummon_no_Mukashi.jpg?v=1725606618","url":"https:\/\/easternhillgs.com\/products\/ippodo-tea-ummon-no-mukashi","provider":"Eastern Hill General Supplies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}