Kikuju no Mukashi by Gion Tsujiri

Kikuju no Mukashi by Gion Tsujiri is an exceptional autumn-harvest matcha that honors the sacred Kuchikiri (口切り) ceremony—the "opening of the tea jar." This centuries-old tradition, held each November, marks the tea calendar's most revered moment when sealed chatsubo jars from spring are ceremonially opened, unveiling matcha transformed by six months of aging into a brew of profound umami richness and natural sweetness.

Crafted from first-flush tea leaves picked around the 88th day of spring (Hachijū-hachiya), this ceremonial-grade matcha undergoes meticulous aging in its tencha form to cultivate a bold, full-bodied umami character. Stone-ground at just 40 grams per hour by Gion Tsujiri's master artisans—stewards of over 160 years of Uji tea heritage—Kikuju no Mukashi delivers a rich, creamy profile with roasted nut undertones and a lingering sweet finish that only time and tradition can create.

About this matcha:

• Autumn's Treasure: A limited seasonal release available exclusively during the Kuchikiri season, capturing the essence of aged matcha perfection.
• Deeply Aged Umami: Six months of careful storage transforms fresh tea into a mellow, intensely umami-rich matcha with enhanced complexity and sweetness.
• Bold & Creamy: Offers a pronounced umami depth with notes of roasted chestnuts, sweet potato, and a velvety, full-bodied texture.
• Ceremonial Excellence: Ideal for usucha (thin tea) or elevated matcha experiences—its bold character shines brightest when whisked traditionally.
• Heritage Craftsmanship: Hand-ground using traditional stone mills to preserve vibrant jade-green color, ultra-fine texture, and rich aromatic depth.
• Iconic Autumn Packaging: Presented in a beautifully designed tin adorned with colorful autumn leaves, celebrating the season of the Kuchikiri ceremony.
• 100% Uji Origin: Shade-grown, stone-ground, and packaged in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.