Premium Narino by Horii Shichimeien

Premium Narino by Horii Shichimeien is an ultra-exclusive, competition-grade ceremonial matcha that represents the absolute pinnacle of Japanese tea craftsmanship—richer, creamier, and more concentrated in umami than even the award-winning standard Narino. This exceptional matcha was meticulously crafted for participation in the National Tea Competition, where it earned the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award (first place) in 2010, and continues to receive top honors including 9th place (first grade) in 2020 and the Best Award at the Japanese Tea Selection Paris.

What elevates Premium Narino beyond its already legendary predecessor is the extraordinary attention to detail at every stage of production. Tea leaves are hand-selected using the careful "shigoki-tsumi" method—considered even more meticulous than standard hand-picking—choosing only the most pristine young buds. Every stage is carefully monitored, with the final tencha selection done by hand using chopsticks, ensuring only the most flawless, beautiful leaves are utilized. The result is a matcha with less off-flavors and more condensed umami, creating a truly unique flavor profile that sets it apart from any other matcha in the world.

With twice the theanine content of conventional matcha varieties and an intensely rich, deep flavor, Premium Narino delivers a distinctive sweet, creamy experience with a delicate, lingering sweetness and rich fragrance. This limited-edition matcha—with only 180 tins available—is so satisfying and full-bodied that it's delicious to drink on its own without sweets, a testament to its natural richness and perfect balance. Stone-ground using traditional mills at just 40 grams per hour, this is competition-level matcha made accessible—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the same exceptional tea that Japanese judges awarded the nation's highest honor.

About this matcha:

• Competition-Grade Excellence: Meticulously crafted for the National Tea Competition—2010 Minister of Agriculture Award (1st place), 2020 National Competition (9th place/1st grade), 2020 Japanese Tea Selection Paris Best Award.
• Surpasses Standard Narino: Richer, creamier flavor with more concentrated umami and less off-flavors—the ultimate evolution of an already legendary cultivar.
• Hand-Selected Perfection: Tea leaves chosen using the careful "shigoki-tsumi" method, with final tencha selection done by hand using chopsticks—only the most flawless leaves make the cut.
• Double Theanine Content: Contains twice the umami-producing theanine as conventional matcha—scientifically proven and variety-registered for this exceptional characteristic.
• Distinctive Sweet Creaminess: Very rich and deep flavor with distinctive sweet, creamy character—a rich, delicate aroma and concentrated umami that's truly unique.
• Ultra-Limited Release: Only 180 tins available—this exclusive matcha was created for competition and is rarely made available to the public.
• Single-Origin Luxury: Crafted exclusively from Premium Narino cultivar grown in the historic Okunoyama tea garden—complete provenance and uncompromising quality control.
• Delicious Without Sweets: So satisfying and full-bodied that it's delicious to drink on its own—rich fragrance and flavor eliminate the need for accompaniments.
• Versatile Premium: Ideal for koicha (thick tea) to appreciate its profound complexity, or usucha (thin tea) for an elevated daily ritual—shines brilliantly in both preparations.
• Freshly Stone-Ground: Ground to order using traditional stone mills at just 40 grams per hour—ensuring vibrant jade-green color, silky texture, and maximum aromatic depth.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Premium packaging with gift wrapping and noshi (traditional gift wrapper) available—perfect for the most discerning tea connoisseurs.
• 600-Year Heritage: From the only remaining garden of the historic Uji Shichimeien, carrying forward centuries of tea craftsmanship into competition-level perfection.
• 100% Uji Origin: First-flush, shade-grown, additive-free, and processed entirely in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.