Matchaeologist Reviews

Matchæologist is an artisanal matcha green tea specialist. They develop award-winning ranges of Japanese matcha with an aim to define the ultimate #MatchaRitual experience. Their approach is to introduce a modern perspective to the ancient tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony by preparing matcha in a minimalist way for an epicurean tasting experience. They also provide education on the joys and benefits to be found in the daily drinking of this ceremonial delicacy.

Their matcha is grown in the world-famous region of Uji, in Kyoto prefecture, Japan, and artisan-roasted to perfection in small batches using proprietary techniques to ensure the best expression of the terroir. The 'Uji' Terroir is extremely important for growing exceptional matcha. It defines all the natural characteristics of the environment that influence the tea. Uji has unique agro-climatic conditions: the soil, the climate, the altitude, the humidity and the amount of rainfall, all of which contribute to the distinctive aroma and flavor profile of a matcha that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Their range of matcha possesses a compelling suite of flavors characterized by ambrosial sweet-savory ‘umami’ notes, refreshing green ‘ooika’ aromas, and a deep, vivid pine-green color. Their finest grades of matcha come from exceptional tea plants grown from ancient rootstocks, nurtured with utmost care and shade-grown for 30 days before harvest. During the first flush in the spring, only the youngest, topmost ‘virgin’ leaves are handpicked individually before the first ray of sun touches the ground. After steaming and drying, their matcha undergoes a proprietary ‘artisan roasting’ procedure involving a carefully calibrated light heating to activate the leaves and impart captivating roasted aromas, ensuring that every gram is bursting with its full flavor potential.

Matchaeologist specializes in producing the finest ranges of Japanese matcha green tea at the highest end of the quality spectrum, or what they call 'artisanal-grade' matcha, from Uji, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. They use an artisanal technique with each batch of tea processed, which includes hand-picking only the virgin leaves from the first flush of select shade-grown tea trees and a proprietary 'artisan roasting' procedure. This technique offers unparalleled results, drawing out matcha’s characteristic sweet-savory 'umami' flavor profile. They also present a carefully selected assortment of matcha-ware products designed through collaborative partnerships with the finest craftsmen across Japan. Their products are individually handcrafted and embody a unique character, formed to balance minimalist aesthetics with contemporary functionality. They offer two main types of matcha: Ceremonial Matcha and Culinary Matcha. The ceremonial matcha range is hand-picked from the topmost, virgin leaves of shade-grown tea-trees during the first harvest. The higher the grade, the sweeter, less bitter, and more umami-rich they are. The culinary matcha grade is a matcha of choice for leading baristas, chefs, pâtissiers, chocolatiers, food artisans and manufacturers. It is perfect for all kinds of drinks and dessert recipes ranging from matcha lattes, cappuccinos, frappés, ice cream, chocolate, fresh or raw desserts, to baked sweets, bread and pastries.

Here's how you can prepare Matchaeologist's matcha tea at home:

1. Heat water to 80 degrees Celsius.
2. Preheat the matcha bowl and whisk with some hot water.
3. Sift one teaspoon of matcha powder into the bowl and add 60 ml of hot water.
4. Whisk the matcha with a bamboo whisk in a zigzag motion until a layer of froth forms on the surface.
5. Enjoy the matcha green tea with a sip or two.

Remember, the most traditional style of matcha preparation is the usucha style. To prepare a serving of usucha, mix ½ tsp (~1g) of matcha with approximately ~1 tbsp of warm water in a Cloud Glass Chawan and massage the mixture until it forms a smooth paste. Add ~70ml of remaining water to dilute down the concentration before serving.

While matcha can be enjoyed on its own in a traditional style with water, it can also be used in a number of alternative ways — including in blended matcha drinks and a range of dessert recipes. Enjoy your #MatchaRitual!

The website shop.matchaeologist.com accepts credit or debit card as well as Paypal as payment methods. They also have a Direct Debit Payments option available. If a refund is approved, a credit will automatically be applied to your original method of payment within 14 days.

The Return Policy of shop.matchaeologist.com states that products purchased can be returned within 30 days of purchase. If more than 30 days have passed since your purchase, they are unfortunately unable to offer you a refund or exchange. To be eligible for a refund, your item must be returned unused and in a re-sellable condition in its original packaging. Please note that due to the perishable nature of their tea products, they are unable to accept returns. Gift vouchers and items sent as a gift are not eligible for return, and they require a receipt or proof of purchase for all returns. Once your return is received and inspected, they will send an email to notify you that they have received your returned item. They will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If approved, your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your original method of payment within 14 days.

In terms of Shipping Policy, they offer worldwide parcel delivery with no minimum spend. They ship within 24 hours on in-stock items. They offer secure delivery options on tracked orders. For USA, Canada, Mexico, South America, they have a separate North American store. For the UK, they offer UK 48 hour tracked for free and UK 24 hour tracked for £2.95 (Free over £25.00). For the EU, they offer Standard (5-14 working days) for ≥£6 and Express (3-4 working days) for £19. For EU (Remote), they offer Standard (5-14 working days) for ≥£10 and Express (3-5 working days) for £20. For Asia & Australia, they offer Standard (14-28 working days) for £14 and Express (3-5 working days) for £32. For the rest of the world, they offer Standard (14-28 working days) for £20 and Express (3-5 working days) for £36. You are responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. Please only use a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance, as they are unable to accept responsibility for failed or lost deliveries.

The contact information for shop.matchaeologist.com is as follows:

• Email: info@matchaeologist.com
• Website: www.matchaeologist.com
• Matchaeologist Japan KK (Asia Pacific): Tokyo, Japan 107-0062, Phone: 020 3514 5355
• Matchaeologist Ltd (EMEA & International): London, UK N1 7GU, Phone: 020 3514 5355
• Matchaeologist LLC (North & South America): DE, USA 19958, Phone: 646 844 8511