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Kaburagien — Competition Award 'Gracious of the Court'

Kaburagien — Competition Award 'Gracious of the Court'

$100.00 AUD
$100.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
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“Gracious of the Court” is a matcha crafted by grinding the winning Tencha from the 63rd Kansai Hand-Rubbed Sencha Competition, held on 8th September 2010 at the head tea market of the Kyoto Prefecture Tea Cooperative Association. This prestigious competition is one of the most respected in the Japanese tea industry, drawing 127 entries in the Tencha category alone. Each entry is rigorously evaluated based on five critical criteria: aroma, leaf shape, taste, infusion colour, and leaf colour.

The tea was cultivated by Ms. Kayoko Terakawa, a highly regarded tea farmer based in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Her process began with enriching the soil using organic fertilisers for two years, followed by three years of careful cultivation. Only after five years of preparation were the young tea leaves harvested. This level of dedication reflects the spirit of temomi (hand-rubbed) culture — a symbol of Japanese tea mastery.

Kaburagien’s president and executive team participated directly in the Kyoto auction, where they successfully bid for the top-ranking Tencha. They then stone-milled the leaves into matcha and released it in limited quantities, offering access to a tea that would otherwise be reserved only for ceremonial use or high-end gift-giving.

 

Suggested Enjoying Method:

A prestigious and historically significant matcha. Best enjoyed as usucha to appreciate the craftsmanship and delicate balance. Can also be used in a light latte, though the purity of its origin shines brightest when whisked traditionally.

What's Next?

At Somewhere Sips, we take matcha storage and transit seriously. Matcha is sensitive to heat, light, and air. We store all our matcha in the fridge until it’s time to pack and ship your order. This will maintain its umami, aroma, and colour for as long as possible.

Here’s how we handle your order:

  • Postage Order: Once your order is confirmed, we aim to pack and ship it within 1–2 days, depending on the shipping method and post office hours.
  • Local Delivery: We’ll reach out by text message to confirm your address. delivery timeframe and instruction.
  • Pick Up: Since we operate from a residential location, we’ll get in touch to arrange a pick-up timeframe that works for between us.
  • Receiving: Please place your matcha in the fridge as soon as you receive it.

We aim to be flexible and responsive, so you can receive your matcha in the best possible condition.

Fair Sip Protection

We believe every matcha lover should get the best value in their cup. That’s why, if the price of your matcha drops within 28 days of purchase, we’ll refund you the difference.

With the current matcha shortage, rising demand, and price changes from reputable manufacturer, we do our best to keep things fair — ensuring everyone has an equal chance to enjoy their matcha at the best possible price, every time.

*Unapplicable to Promotions or Limited Offer*

Shipping & Handling

We offer pickup in Brisbane and Australia-wide shipping. Orders are shipped via Australia Post:

  • Standard: 2 – 6 business days
  • Express: 1 – 3 business days
  • Arrival date may varies depending on your location and time of delivery.

Minor dents may occur during transit — no returns or refunds are offered. If matcha content or product are opened/used prior to arrival, we will offer refunds.

Care & Consumption

To maintain the freshness and quality of matcha, we recommend:

  • After purchase, store matcha in the fridge immediately, or in a cool, dark place.
  • Avoid exposing the matcha powder or container to heat, sunlight, air, and moisture.
  • Always use a dry chashaku or scooping utensil when scooping the matcha.
  • Keep the moisture removal pack inside the container to prevent condensation.
  • Once opened, matcha should be consumed within 1 - 2 months for the best flavour.

Does Matcha Expire?

Matcha does not “expire”. The date on the can is the manufacturer’s best before date, which is the manufacturer's suggested date of when the matcha will taste at its peak umami.

How fresh is our matcha?

  • All our matcha is freshly picked from most time.
  • Their shelf life follows the manufacturer's guide, which varies from 3 to 12 months (mostly: 6–10 months).
  • If a product’s BBF date is very close or part of a promotion, we clearly label it as a separate variant so you can choose knowingly.

How should I store my matcha?

  • Before BBF date: Store in a cool (<25°C) and dry place, or in the fridge.
  • Closer to BBF date (around 2 weeks before): Move to the freezer to maintain umami and greenness flavour.
  • After BBF date: You can keep it in the freezer and enjoy for a few extra months.
  • Tip: Once you take it out of the freezer for use, return it immediately to avoid moisture affecting the umami.
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