Soukou

Pricing as disclosed

• 20g — $26.00

Everything disclosed on the product page

Full Name

Soukou Matcha

Price Size Variants

[ { "size": "20g tin", "price": "$26.00", "stock": "not explicitly stated" } ]

Positioning

Described as Kettl's 'gentlest offering' and 'an incredible entry-level, nutty, and verdant usucha matcha'; lowest price point among all 14 products reviewed ($26.00)

Producer

Shinya Yamaguchi

Producer Background

Renowned tea producer from Hoshino Village in Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture; third-generation tea maker; youngest person ever to achieve the prestigious 10-dan Tea Master certification

Region

Hoshinomura, Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture

Cultivar

Blend

Production Year

2025

Tasting Notes

[ "Toasted saltine", "Dark chocolate", "Summer grass" ]

Flavor Profile Tags

[ "Nutty", "Grassy", "Umami" ]

Flavor Summary

Bracingly fresh profile with a velvety and soft finish and lingering toasty finish; 'an unrivaled daily drinker'; represents 'the very best of Yame matcha... at an exceptional value'

Brewing Instructions

{ "usucha": "Add 2g of sifted matcha and 65ml of hot water (180°F); vigorously whisk in a 'Z' pattern until a fine foam appears", "iced": "Add 2g of sifted matcha to a tumbler or thermos, add 200ml cold filtered water, shake vigorously for 30 seconds" }

Packaging

20g tin

Grade Tier

entry-level usucha

Certifications

none disclosed

Awards

Producer holds 10-dan Tea Master certification (personal producer credential, not a product-specific award)

Shelf Life Storage

not disclosed

Reviews Ratings

none disclosed

Subscription Options

none disclosed

Research notes

A separate legacy URL (http://www.kettl.co/teas/soukou-matcha) appeared in search results alongside the current kettl.co/products/soukou-matcha page, suggesting an older site structure/domain version exists; content not independently verified as identical.

Secondary sources

{
  "rating_or_verdict": "Best High-Grade — $95, ceremonial grade",
  "notes": "Recommended by Michelle Puyane (Chalait owner); 'light, sweet' profile for connoisseurs; listed as out of stock at capture time."
}

{
  "tier": "Tier 2 - Matcha Mommy Approved",
  "price_noted": "$24.99"
}