Okuju Matcha is one of Kettl’s most distinctive matcha offerings, developed as the company’s first custom-crafted matcha in close collaboration with long-standing tea partners in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. Made exclusively from Okumidori cultivar tencha, this matcha showcases a flavor profile that highlights the variety’s natural sweetness, depth, and refined character.
Kettl worked directly with producers to create a tea tailored to its own specifications, making Okuju Matcha a significant milestone in the company’s portfolio. The tea is carefully processed and lightly finished to emphasize a balance of rich aroma and smooth texture.
Its tasting profile features notes of milk chocolate, cashew butter, and fresh green vegetation, supported by a creamy mouthfeel and gentle sweetness. The result is a versatile matcha suitable for both traditional usucha preparation and contemporary applications such as matcha lattes, iced drinks, and sparkling tea beverages.
Sourced from Uji, one of Japan’s most renowned tea-growing regions, Okuju Matcha reflects the area’s long-standing reputation for producing exceptional matcha. Like the rest of Kettl’s premium tea range, it is packaged in Japan and distributed in small batches to preserve freshness and quality.
The tea embodies Kettl’s commitment to direct sourcing, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of distinctive Japanese tea experiences. Today, Okuju Matcha is regarded as one of the company’s flagship matcha products, combining traditional expertise with a modern approach to tea production.
Producer
Kettl is a specialty Japanese tea company with operations in New York and Fukuoka, recognized for its direct relationships with small-scale tea producers across Japan. Founded in 2011 by Zach Mangan, the company was created with the goal of introducing some of Japan’s finest teas to international audiences while preserving their authenticity and quality.
Kettl sources its teas directly from carefully selected growers, focusing on limited-production matcha, sencha, gyokuro, and other premium Japanese tea varieties. The company is known for emphasizing freshness, transparency, and traceability, with teas packaged in Japan and distributed shortly after harvest and processing.
Beyond tea, Kettl offers a curated collection of Japanese teaware and ceramics that reflect the craftsmanship and traditions associated with Japanese tea culture. Its portfolio is built around long-term partnerships with producers who employ meticulous cultivation and production methods.
Over the years, Kettl has earned a strong reputation among tea enthusiasts, specialty retailers, and fine dining establishments, including collaborations with Michelin-starred restaurants. The company is also active in education, hosting tastings and workshops that introduce consumers to the nuances of Japanese tea.
By combining traditional Japanese expertise with a modern approach to sourcing and presentation, Kettl has become one of the most respected names in the global premium tea market. Today, the brand continues to play an important role in promoting high-quality Japanese tea and the artisans who produce it.