753 Matcha and Kōyō Red Matcha Compared
We now have two matchas in our lineup, and people keep asking which one to choose.
There is 753 Matcha, the classic green matcha. And the brand new Kōyō Red Matcha.
They're both matcha-style, whisked the same way, prepared with the same care. But that's where the similarities end. Here's what makes each one special and how to find your match.
Meet the Matchas
753 Matcha
Our 753 Matcha comes from Honyama in Shizuoka, nestled deep in the mountains where mist and dramatic temperature shifts create ideal growing conditions.
It's a proprietary blend of three cultivars: Asahi, Okumidori, and Saemidori. Each brings something different to the cup. The leaves are shade-grown using a traditional two-stage process, then stone-milled into that vibrant green powder you know.
The taste is umami-rich and smooth, with gentle nuttiness, delicate nori undertones, and a touch of sweetness. This is the classic in our lineup. The one that tastes like matcha should taste.
Kōyō Red Matcha
Kōyō Red Matcha is something else entirely. A world-first innovation from Kagoshima, it's made from the Benifūki cultivar.
Here's what makes it special: it's not just ground black tea. The leaves are treated like matcha, first crafting tencha from Japanese black tea, then stone-milling it the traditional way.
The result is a deep red-brown powder that tastes like cacao, malty sweetness, dark chocolate, and freshly baked bread. This is the experimental one that surprised us.
The Differences Explained
Tea Leaves
While both use the tencha method, and are shade-grown, stone-milled, prepared with the same level of care. 753 starts with green tea leaves, while Kōyō starts with black tea leaves.
Flavor Profiles
753 is bright, vegetal, umami-forward. Think ocean breeze, fresh-cut grass, that savory depth you find in good nori or dashi. There's nuttiness, and a natural sweetness that adds balance.
Kōyō is warm, roasted, almost dessert-like. Think chocolate, toasted bread, cozy fall afternoons. It has that malty quality you'd find in a good black tea, but richer because you're drinking the whole leaf.
Energy & Caffeine
753 gives you that classic matcha energy. Steady, focused, with L-theanine providing calm alongside the caffeine. It's the combination that makes matcha different from coffee.
Kōyō has black tea energy with extra spark. You're drinking the whole leaf instead of just steeping it, so the caffeine hits a bit differently.
Finding Your Match
If you love traditional matcha and want that umami, vegetal flavor we're known for, 753 Matcha is waiting for you. It's morning focus, calm energy and bright green lattes.
If you're curious about innovation and crave those warm, roasted notes of black tea, Kōyō Red Matcha will surprise you. It's cozy afternoons and something special that still feels like a ritual.
Or you could try both. The Christmas Bundle exists because they work for different moments, moods, seasons. One's your morning, one's your afternoon.
Whether you're Team Green, Team Red, or Team Both, there's no wrong answer here. Try them, taste them, tell us which one you reach for. We're curious what you'll discover.
