Spring, nature’s awakening, rising temperatures – and in Japan, the spring mist in the mountains for which Haru Kasumi matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen is named.

Like Ippodo Tea Co and their Nodoka matcha, Marukyu Koyamaen’s Haru Kasumi is also a seasonal tea.

It is not a tea harvested fresh or newly, traditionally, released (unlike their Tsubokiri Matcha). Rather, the idea here is to blend a matcha to fit with the season, and to be sold only during spring seasons.

Packaging

Haru Kasumi, as an item outside of the standard range, again comes in a box different from the normal ones.

The design fits right in the Marukyu standard, but with a pink flower-design on the wrapper.
The tin is also the usual, but with the matcha’s name written in more of a calligraphy-like design.

Tasting Notes for Haru Kasumi

Haru Kasumi from Marukyu Koyamaen is similarly subtle in aroma as the Nodoka spring matcha from Ippodo Tea Co.

At the same time, the aroma of this matcha is more flowery. In flavor, too, there is a similar fleeting subtleness, but with a touch more sweetness and, perhaps, strength.

In other words, this is another matcha which is difficult to describe and judge. It is of good quality, without astringency or bitterness, but also without the umami strength or sweetness that an expensive high-grade matcha would give.

Of course, even just going by the name that this matcha was given – Haru Kasumi, “Spring Mist” – this is exactly as it should be.