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The first expression of the Bessei Hatsumukashi series.
Crafted exclusively from the first and second tender leaves harvested by hand in the spring tea fields of Shirakawa, Uji, this exceptional matcha is slowly matured before being carefully stone-ground into an exquisite koicha (thick matcha).
The cultivar is Asahi, one of the most highly regarded varieties for tencha production. Frequently recognized at Japan's National Tea Competition, Asahi is celebrated for its remarkable harmony of sweetness, umami, aroma, and vibrant color.
Through careful maturation, the flavor becomes beautifully refined. A pure, elegant sweetness greets the palate first, followed by a deep, lingering umami that unfolds with remarkable grace. Bitterness and astringency are kept to an absolute minimum, allowing the finish to remain exceptionally long and smooth.
Its aroma is equally captivating. Floral notes intertwine with the rich fragrance reminiscent of premium nori seaweed, complemented by the gently roasted character known as Roka—a traditional term describing the refined, toasty aroma prized in the finest Uji matcha. Together, these layers create a remarkably complex aromatic experience.
Its vivid green color is another defining characteristic. More than simply vibrant, it possesses remarkable clarity and depth—a natural green that reflects the beauty of carefully cultivated Uji matcha.
No.1 is an expression of elegance, purity, and harmony.
Created for those who seek the finest sweetness, refined umami, and unforgettable aroma that only exceptional Uji matcha can offer.
*Other Grades
Matcha Premium Hatsu-Mukashi
| Contents | 20g can |
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Expiration Date |
3 months |
| Allergens | none |
About California Proposition 65
At Nakamura Tokichi Honten, we strive to provide appropriate information based on the laws and regulations of each country and region so that our overseas customers can select products with peace of mind.
In the State of California, USA, there is a law called "California Proposition 65."
What is Proposition 65?
California Proposition 65, officially named the "Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986," is a California state law enacted in 1986.
Based on this law, the State of California publishes a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
The subject list includes over 900 types of chemicals related to various items such as lead, foods, and daily necessities, and is continuously updated.
Proposition 65 is not a law that prohibits the manufacture or sale itself of products containing these chemicals. We understand it to be a system requiring businesses to display warning labels when a certain level of exposure to subject chemicals occurs, so that California consumers can obtain the necessary information to select products.
Nakamura Tokichi Honten's Response
Tea is an agricultural product grown in nature, such as soil, water, and the surrounding environment. Therefore, it contains various elements and substances originating from the cultivation environment.
Although Nakamura Tokichi Honten strives to ensure product quality and safety, regarding tea as an agricultural product, it is not possible to grasp all substances present in the soil, water, surrounding environment, etc., where it is cultivated.
In addition, regarding all of the more than 900 types of chemicals subject to Proposition 65, individually testing and confirming all products is also practically difficult.
Therefore, from the viewpoint of providing appropriate information to customers in California, our company shall deem that chemicals subject to Proposition 65 are included.
This warning does not indicate that the product is unsafe solely due to the fact that the warning is displayed. In addition, Proposition 65 is not a system that prohibits the manufacture or sale itself of products containing subject chemicals. Based on California Proposition 65, it provides information to customers in California regarding exposure to subject chemicals.
Length 2.3 x Width 2.3 x Height 2.7 (inch) / 5.9 x 5.9 x 6.8 (cm)
Box Size:
Length 2.8 x Width 2.8 x Height 3.0 (inch) / 7.2 x 7.2 x 7.6 (cm)
Weight:
Net: 0.71 oz (20g)
Gross: 4.09 oz (116g)
Taste
| Light | Moderate | Full-bodied |
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Aroma
Its aroma is layered—floral and refined from the cultivar, oceanic richness from shaded cultivation, and a toasty finish from the traditional drying process, known as roka.
Recommended Way To Drink
Customer Reviews
Although the taste is not bad, but it is completely incomparable to previous versions such as 2016 and 2023.
In my impression, 別製初昔 means the highest grade of Matcha, made by the tea with prize in Kansai or National tea competition, with bright green color as well as amazing umami sweet taste. But these impressive memories no longer exist after 2023.
Anyway, back to this version, it is only made by tea with highly praised, not the tea with prize. That’s totally two different concepts. Besides that, the color is not beautiful, not 碧翠, maybe it’s the result of getting aged. The aroma is strong and the texture is very soft, as well as no bitterness, so the taste is not bad, but the umami and the sweet is obviously not enough.
In my conclusion, the quality of 別製初昔 is gradually downgrading, especially the version of beginning of 2025 and this version. I think it’s taste only reach the standard of 初昔, and its color is not the color that a highest grade matcha should have.
