Matcha Outlet

A little more sugar than usual today, about 2/3 tsp. Quite tasty.

I think this one is going to be a finicky flavour for me. I added a bit too much matcha again and the faint chemical taste came back. I like this, I really do, but only if I make it correctly and apparently there’s a narrow band to do this. Glad I only got distinctive flavouring level.

Backlogging this from the weekend. This was actually my first cup but I didn’t want this tasting note to be on top. I put way too much matcha in it and it just tasted vaguely bitter and not like the flavouring (or the smell!) is supposed to at all. The second cup, that I reviewed, tasted much better.

This is actually my second try of this matcha, and it’s much more delicious this time. I added a bit more sugar and a bit less matcha this time around to this hot latte. It’s definitely better to my taste buds so I wanted this good tasting note to be the first one on top that people see rather than the unfortunate first try.

This has been sitting on my counter/in the freezer for a month or so, waiting for me to buy a new tin or a tin to open up (the first one happened). This second try, I’m enjoying quite a lot, definitely an extremely creamy matcha with chocolate cookie too. It’s definitely cookie too, not just chocolate. I can taste the ‘cookie’ taste, like I’m drinking an oreo shake somewhere instead of a skim milk matcha latte with not even a tsp of sugar in it. When I added too much matcha it had a sort of chemically feel to it, so be warned, if that happens, try again with less. About 2/3 tsp is perfect for me, give or take. I estimate using a full tsp at work judging the empty space left in the teaspoon, and I use an overflowing ‘perfect cup of matcha’ half teaspoon at home. This matcha was drunk at home but it will be travelling to work with me tomorrow to add to the work collection since I drink at least 3 matcha lattes per day during work days. Thankfully I metabolize caffeine too quickly to get any negative effects from that.

Anyway, this is a really tasty matcha when you do it right. Very sweet and creamy and cookie like. I’m really enjoying it.

You can find it at: http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/cookies-and-cream-matcha.html

Made this as a matcha latte this morning, as per the norm for me. I didn’t love it, I think that’s because I prefer my matchas to be NOT fruity. I might have liked it more had it been cold, or perhaps without milk, but it’s not one I would order for myself. I will stick to the creamy, sweet flavors like vanilla and caramel.

I am glad I got to sample it, thanks to Starfevre!

http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/

I am on a SIPDOWN ROLL this morning, people! And it’s barely 9am, though I’ve been up since 5am (so weird…) So… 793!

Anyways! Thanks to Indigobloom for a sample of this matcha. I’m pretty sure it’s robust flavouring, regular grade.

So when I opened up my little plastic container of this, I got a really odd smell. Yes, it was a bit like espresso… but to be honest, it smelled rather savoury, and quite odd. Like, stewed tomatoes + espresso? I don’t even know. Had I not been planning to mix this up with other matches in a massive chocolate almond milk latte, I might have tossed it, but I didn’t, in the hopes that the weird flavours might be masked. I did try a sip of it just straight (it was terrible, but it was also VERY STRONG), and then another mixed with some chocolate almond milk, which was also a bit ick. So in conclusion, I don’t think I’d ever pick this up for myself.

But yes. As I said, this matcha did not get to be by itself in my latte. Nope, it got the last of my Madagascar Vanilla matcha (that’s right, this is a DOUBLE SIPDOWN! 792!!!!), as well as a generous amount of caramel matcha. I got a bit overzealous with those two, and so I think this might be the most potent matcha latte EVER… yeah, it might have close to 2 tbsp in about 2 cups of liquid. Haha whoops.

Anyways, with all the other flavours mixed in, it tastes much more like caramel espresso than weirdness, so I will happily enjoy this throughout the day (yeah, if I drank it all now I think there’s a good probability of caffeine overdose).

I’ve been drinking tea like a mad woman today!

Trying to get through my samples received in swaps. I have also, however, kind of developed an addiction (at least it’s a healthy one!) to Red Leaf Teas flavored matchas, and so I managed to have a couple hot matcha lattes throughout the day, in between my random sipdowns.

Today’s selection was the French Vanilla, do yourself a favour and grab some here:

http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/french-vanilla-matcha.html

This is the second flavour I purchased, the other one being Caramel. I have tried a few random swap samples of other flavours in the past but I feel with this quantity on hand I can more accurately review my purchases, having been able to try each a couple times.

Of the two I ordered this round, I think I preferred the caramel one. Because although I chose the Classic/Delicate options for both, I found the Caramel flavour to be more noticeable, while the French Vanilla, though definitely tasty, was a bit more subtle. I’d be interested in trying the Distinctive option to see how they compare!

Nevertheless the vanilla added a lovely sweetness, not overwhelmingly so, with no weird chemical taste that I could notice. Just yummy vanilla matcha. Takes the edge of the vegetalness of the matcha alone. Yup, I said “vegetalness”. I also find the powder to be very smooth, no graininess at the bottom of my cup, it really is good to the last drop.

I can’t believe a month ago (before receiving my first Red Leaf matcha samples in the mail thanks to some friendly swappers), I was a matcha virgin. I don’t think I’m much of a fan of regular straight matcha, but so far I am in love with anything I have had the pleasure of trying from Red Leaf.

I’m very pleased with my first order of Caramel and French Vanilla, and have a definite idea of what I would like to try next.

What did I do before I discovered these amazing matchas? And more importantly, what valuable belongings do I have kicking around my house that I can hock to get more money for more flavors?!

I want to try so many!!
As I said before, a dangerous addiction has been formed. I have decided not to share my matchas with anyone I know. That seems greedy but they’re all for me. No sharesies.

Got a sample of this from Starfevre, thank you!

I made it right after work, with hot milk and my frother.

I think the mint sample sent along with it may have contaminated it, because I was getting a definite minty flavor and scent from the powder. I will reserve judgement for now, the vanilla flavor was barely there so I will have to try some later to determine!

This was a swap from Rachel. It’s been awhile but I have not had a chance to drink this matcha. Finally today, I sat down to try this matcha.

First of all, I do not know how to properly brew matcha.. I don’t really know how much water or oz to put so I just put 1tsp of matcha and put a bit of water, and when color looked fine… just drank it. I was expecting somewhat of bitterness, however it did not taste bitter at all. However, I couldn’t really tell the taste of tiramisu – except creamy flavor at the end. Maybe that was it..?

I guess I’m still at experimental stage of matcha. :)

SIPDOWN! thanks to indigobloom for a sample of this. I tossed this in my smoothie this morning, though i’ll be honest i also mixed it in with mocha and caramel. yes that’s right… mocha, caramel smoothie with a shot of espresso lol In terms of “coffee” type matchas, i think i prefer the coffee matcha to go with my smoothies, though this one isn’t bad. I believe this was robust flavouring, so with distinctive it might be toned down a bit as well. overall, not too shabby!

Sipdown! Thanks for letting me sample this one, Sil – and those little containers are perfect!

Anyhow, I made up quite the concoction yesterday morning with this matcha. I had about 1.5tsp of it from Sil, so whisked that into some hot milk, and took a sniff… delicious! I was thinking about just making a regular milk latte with it at first (since I don’t have any plain almond milk at the moment)… until I remembered that I had dark chocolate almond milk. Sooooo I made a chocolate black cherry latte. Only problem? 1.5tsp of matcha wasn’t really enough, IMO… so I whisked up another 1-2tsp of cheesecake matcha, plus some caramel matcha (I think… I might have just used cheesecake), and added it in. It certainly looked interesting, swirling dark green matcha liquid into dark brown chocolate almond milk, but it tasted fabulous. Sadly, I forgot to drink most of it, and it ended up being forgetten at my boyfriend’s place… thankfully in the fridge, so I guess I’ll drink it before/after heading to church tomorrow. Yum!

I ordered this as part of the 4 for 3 deal. I love peppermint, however I got it at the flavouring level “There’s matcha in there?” BIG mistake! While it still tastes wonderful, it’s sooo darn peppermint-y it’s like drinking a glass of scotch mints. My husband loves it, I feel like it would make a great addition to a cup of hot chocolate or blended into another flavour. I will definitely order it again, once this runs out, but I’ll ease up on the flavouring.
When I first opened the package I was in love, it was the first one of the order I opened and the one I was most excited about. The smell reminded me of Sunday drives with my late Grandpa. He always had a big bag of peppermints in his car and my cousin and I would eat them as we drove through the city, stopping at yard sales. This was also the first matcha I ever sifted. to me it seemed silly to think that could make a difference. Boy does it! This little baby frothed up like a champ! I made it as a latte and even tried it with a little agave nectar. I will buy again but probably at distinctive level.
You can buy it here: http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/peppermint-matcha.html

Ah, flavored matcha. You’d think after the roughly 5 thousand flavors I’ve tried (okay, not really, but over 20 for sure!) I’d be worn out and ready to settle down with my current selection of favorites (maple, butterscotch, caramel popcorn, pumpkin pie, and macadamia nut). But no, my tastebuds still seek out adventure and exploration! And since pie is one of my favorite things I snapped up the two new pie-themed flavors the instant they went on sale. Apple Pie was fantastic and I was hoping for the same deliciousness from Rich Berry Pie.

In the bag this smells like… cinnamon? Super heavy duty spices! Which is weird, I don’t think they are mentioned in the description. But pies often have cinnamon or nutmeg added, so I suppose it’s not unusual: I am just used to spice-free berry pie.

I think this would probably be best as a latte but I went with the shake-it-in-a-water-bottle method for my first go-round… mostly because I’d already consumed two lattes that day. Matcha overload! I did add a splash of milk for that creamy quality.

Mm, this really does taste like pie! I think the pie-like qualities of buttery, flakey crust aren’t quite as prominent as they were in Apple Pie but this matcha is also more complex. There’s the multilayered berry flavor (I get mainly raspberry and blueberry) along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. I think perhaps Spiced Berry Pie might be a more accurate description for this one, but either way I am totally loving it! I think it would be especially good mixed with the cheesecake or caramel matcha for that extra rich element. You can get some here:

http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/rich-berry-pie-matcha.html

thank you Chuckieroy for this tea. This tea is delicious tasted just like a strawberry smoothie. Another must buy!

I had this one cold in a water bottle this morning, as a practice run for when I bring it to work.

When I first opened the ziplock I had the open package in, I was hit with a whiff of raspberry. I think this one just needed some time to cure a bit because It did not smell like this when I first opened it a few days ago.

Drank cold, there is a strong cinnamony and pastry type taste. You can taste the cream. There is a very slight raspberry taste. I think I almost like this one better cold, than I like it hot. I forgot to put a bit of sugar in it too, which I usually do. I think adding a bit of sugar will bring out more of the fruit sweetness.

On first smell of the dry matcha, I was a little concerned. It did not smell anything like raspberry. I thought there was quite a chemical smell to it. But I went ahead and brewed it anyway. From experience with Red Leafs flavoured matcha, I find the smell is not always indicative of the taste.

I got this was as robust flavour in classic grade.

I decided to make this one as a latte. I thought it would fit good with the raspberry and cream flavour. I used 1/2 tsp and a bit of sugar. I dissovled it in warm water. As soon as the water hit the matcha, I got a whiff of raspberry. Then I mixed it with about 6 oz of warm frothed milk.

The smell of the brewed matcha, is still not quite raspberry, but the taste can only be described as delicious. It does taste like creamy raspberry. It also seems like there is a nutty and cinnamony taste as well. Absolutely delicious.

I bought this to have cold at work. So I will need to do some experimenting to see how it will taste cold.

You can find this matcha here: http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/raspberry-and-cream-matcha.html

Made a milk latte out of this. Totally forgot to put sugar in it this time. I’m not sure if the cinnamon is less strong today or if it’s just overwhelmed by the slight burny sensation my tongue has after I ate dinner. Freezer pizza was a bit too spicy, despite not having any spicy ingredients. I don’t really want to drink through the rest of this. Swap?

Bought this one while ago and it’s even been in a tin, ready to be prepared for almost that long, but I’m just now getting around to trying this one out for the first time.

Details: black matcha base, small size, distinctive flavouring, tins purchased.

First attempt (because it didn’t work so well and there will be another on this note). Hot matcha latte made with a couple ounces of barely not boiling water, 1/2 tsp matcha, 10 oz of hot skim milk, bit of sugar, frothed with an electric whisk.

Now I was a bit disappointed with the smell of this mstcha when dry. It just wasn’t as strong as the others I’ve had and really didn’t evoke much ‘berry pie’ feeling for me. Less even then the straight berry one did, though I had that one on a green base. The only mouthful of my cup’s latte that had any strong flavour at all was the last one (because matcha inevitably sinks and you have to swirl it around again at that point) and the flavour that was most present in it at that point almost (not quite but almost) tasted like cinnamon. It had that feeling in the back of the mouth that cinnamon brings out for me. It just wasn’t very good. The black base was present, all warmly ‘black tea’ for me, but the berry pie flavour was absent entirely. I’m going to try again with a full teaspoon of matcha this time. Hold on a sec.

Same proportions as before except twice as much matcha and a bit more sugar. The ‘cinnamon’ flavour/feel is still present, even stronger than before so it is definitely not a mistake or contamination because this matcha is in an airtight tin and previously it was in it’s original packaging, sharing space with only raspberry and cream matcha. This is probably (of the matcha I have purchased) my least favourite. It’s not terrible if I just taste it with no preconceptions but expecting berries from it, do not like.

I may very well buy it again though, although parameters will be changed, Green matcha for one and at least robust flavouring possibly higher. You can find this matcha here: http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/rich-berry-pie-matcha.html

I ordered this almost a month ago but had it shipped to my parents’ house due to issues with my post office, and the wait (as you can imagine) was killer! I ordered this and the Berry Pie matcha the first day they went on sale, and I’ve been lusting after them since I hit the order button.

Red Leaf’s dessert flavors have impressed me again and again, but they’ve totally knocked it out of the park with the Apple Pie matcha! Before I get into the flavoring the matcha itself is super green, the color is so concentrated! I wonder if it’s a different base than usual? It’s got a stronger flavor too, pleasantly grassy and sweet.

When I first opened the packet I was a bit nervous because it smelled like super-strong chemicals… maybe because the poor thing has been sitting in a bag for a whole month? I was worried the chemical smell would carry over to the flavor but it doesn’t at all. In fact, there’s not a trace!

I got this in the delicate flavoring so it’s pretty subtle when you drink it: the matcha taste is in the forefront. But then once I finish a sip my whole mouth is filled with apple pie flavor! Super authentic and delicious. Warm, gooey apples, a hint of caramel and spice: cinnamon, nutmeg! It’s so amazingly good, the most accurate apple pie flavor I’ve ever tasted! This is such a winner. You can get some here:

http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/apple-pie-matcha.html

Finally having another smoothie. I’m not sure why i stepped away from my morning matcha smoothies but i did. I pulled out the blender this morning to have one and man is it delicious. I’m still trying to finish off some of the less likeable flavours that i have before i open a bunch of the other flavours i have sitting in my cupboard, calling out to me. I’m hoping that I’ll clean it all up in May and get cracking on the new flavours…especially since i just ordered 10+5 from redleaf to use up my gift certificates from the referral program and the reviewing program. lol it seems like a lot but it was largely free and i’ll be sharing with people to let them try red leaf before purchasing. :)

Anyway this matcha? it’s alright but it’s not great. Maybe it’s the distinctive flavouring but i’m just not getting the butter cookie flavour. I’d be willing to give this one another shot though with the robust flavouring sometime i’m sure.