About This Tea

There are many tea companies in Kyoto that specialize in Matcha and Gyokuro but we only partner with a select few that stand out from all the others. Since 2010, we have studied and worked with the Kyoto based company Hekisuien, which is focused on traditional and ultra-premium gyokuro and matcha. Our old friend Mr. Hisaki Horri is an 8th generation tea maker and the current CEO of Hekisuien, which is his family’s business that was established in 1867. Hekisuien uses blending techniques that combine different cultivars and vintages from the key growing regions of Uji to shape a unique taste and quality unlike other gyokuro and matcha producers. Hekisuien’s focus is not so much on single cultivar, but rather on the uniqueness of intentionally aging teas and blending vintages of different cultivars from various gardens to create exquisite expressions of Uji Matcha and Gyokuro.

In addition to the several prestigious Hekisuien blends of Matcha and Gyokuro that we offer, we are releasing an exclusive batch of Matcha produced for Rishi by Hekisuien that exude freshness, vibrancy, strength and high energy. The umami and deep resonance of taste is very unique and elegant. This amazing matcha blend combines the 2023 Ujihikari cultivar and the 2023 Asahi cultivar grown under traditional HONZU straw thatch shading cultivation. Each lot was harvested as young buds, giving this matcha blend a delicate floral aroma with depth and umami. Only 200 tins are available.