Narino by Horii Shichimeien

Narino by Horii Shichimeien is an award-winning single-origin ceremonial matcha that delivers extraordinary sweetness, velvety umami, and practically no bitterness—a revolutionary cultivar that redefines what matcha can be. This exceptional matcha contains nearly twice the theanine (the amino acid responsible for umami) as conventional matcha varieties, creating an unmatched depth of flavor that reviewers describe as "the sweetest matcha" they've ever tasted and "hands down the best matcha for usucha."

Born from the historic Okunoyama tea garden after 20 years of meticulous cultivation and selection, the Narino cultivar represents the pinnacle of modern tea innovation rooted in 600 years of heritage. In 2010, this extraordinary matcha earned both the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries' Award at the National Tea Competition and the Grand Prix at the Japanese Tea Selection Paris—a double recognition that speaks to its exceptional quality and universal appeal.

What makes Narino truly special is its flavor profile: incredibly smooth and creamy with massive umami, sweet floral notes, and only occasional hints of pleasant bitterness that complement rather than detract. The rich fragrance and full-bodied aroma create such a satisfying experience that it's delicious to drink on its own without sweets—a rarity among matcha. Stone-ground using 80 traditional tea mills at just 40 grams per hour, every cup of Narino is freshly ground to order, ensuring you receive the vibrant jade-green color and aromatic complexity that define this luxury matcha experience.

About this matcha:

• Double Theanine Content: Contains nearly twice the umami-producing theanine as conventional matcha—scientifically proven and variety-registered for this exceptional characteristic.
• Award-Winning Excellence: 2010 Minister of Agriculture Award (National Tea Competition) and Grand Prix (Japanese Tea Selection Paris)—internationally recognized for superior quality.
• Unmatched Sweetness: Reviewers consistently describe it as "the sweetest matcha ever tasted"—rich, velvety umami with practically no bitterness or astringency.
• Single-Origin Luxury: Crafted exclusively from the Narino cultivar grown in Horii Shichimeien's 600-year-old Okunoyama tea garden—complete provenance and quality control.
• 20 Years of Development: Selected from native tea plants over two decades (1980-2000) to create a cultivar worthy of the next generation—a living link to tea history.
• Incredibly Smooth & Creamy: Full-bodied with sweet, floral notes and a clean, mild, refreshing aftertaste that feels like a contrasting symphony of flavors.
• Versatile Premium: Shines brilliantly as usucha (thin tea), koicha (thick tea), or elevated matcha lattes—strong enough for flavor, smooth enough for daily indulgence.
• Top-Tier Favorite: Consistently rated in reviewers' "top 5 matchas ever"—described as "absolutely delectable" and worth every penny for its exceptional quality.
• Rich Fragrance & Aroma: Full-bodied aroma and mellow flavor so satisfying it's delicious without sweets—a testament to its natural richness and balance.
• Freshly Ground to Order: Never pre-ground—all matcha is carefully ground in-house using 80 traditional stone mills, ensuring maximum freshness, vibrant color, and aromatic depth.
• Limited Availability: A rare, exclusive cultivar that "can only be tasted" at Horii Shichimeien—a truly unique matcha experience unavailable elsewhere.
• 600-Year Romance: A matcha filled with the romance that Ashikaga Shogun might have drunk—connecting you directly to the golden age of Japanese tea culture.
• 100% Uji Origin: First-flush, shade-grown, additive-free, and processed entirely in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.