Maker Spotlight: Hekisuien

Established in 1867and now led by eighth-generation tea maker Hisaki Horii, Hekisuien is one of Kyoto’s most respected producers of gyokuro and matcha—and one of the few we trust to consistently deliver tea of exceptional quality and character.

Hekisuien’s approach to tea is not only rooted in Uji’s rich terroir but also in the art of aging and blending—a rare and refined technique in the world of Japanese tea. While many producers today focus on single-cultivar and single-origin teas, Mr. Horii’s philosophy embraces the complexity of tea as a living, evolving material. Each year, he selects and blends tencha of different cultivars, vintage years and growing areas from the Uji and Kyoto region to craft teas that offer an exquisite balance of umami, sweetness and depth.

Hekisuien’s gyokuro and matcha begin in gardens shaded by traditional tana frames, where only tencha from esteemed fields—particularly in the Joyo area—are hand-picked and carefully selected. Once harvested, these teas are aged under carefully controlled conditions. This aging process allows the tea to mellow and mature, developing unparalleled smoothness and complexity before being milled into matcha or processed as gyokuro.

Embodying eight generations of knowledge, Mr. Horii’s style is defined by a deep understanding of seasonality and the nuanced performance of each cultivar over time. Under his leadership, Hekisuien continues to craft some of the most sought-after, ultra-premium heirloom matcha blends—all showcasing an elegant umami character, vibrant green hue and rich, smooth flavor developed through traditional vintage aging.

It’s this dedication to nuanced craftsmanship, tradition and seasonal artistry that makes Hekisuien so special—and why we are honored to offer Mr. Horii’s teas to our customers. Centuries of Uji tea culture and generations of excellence come through in every sip.

To savor a Hekisuien matcha or gyokuro is to experience centuries-old heritage in its most refined form. We invite you to discover these exceptionally crafted teas from Hisaki Horii—whom we consider not only a valued partner, but also a friend.