What Is Kōyō Red Matcha?

We're introducing something that's never existed before.

Kōyō Red Matcha is the world's first matcha-style black tea.

This isn't just ground black tea powder. It's a completely new way to experience tea that brings together the depth and richness of black tea with the smooth texture and whisking ritual of matcha.

Kōyō is available now at £28.00 for 30g. You can also find it paired with our signature 753 Matcha in the Christmas Bundle for £50.00.

How Red Matcha Is Made

Here's what makes Kōyō different. Instead of simply grinding black tea leaves into powder, we treat black tea like matcha from the very beginning.

First, we craft tencha from Japanese black tea leaves. Then, those leaves are stone-milled using traditional methods to create a smooth, velvety finish that dissolves beautifully when whisked.

Kōyō Red Matcha comes from the Benifūki cultivar, grown in Kagoshima and harvested during the first flush. This is the same careful approach used for premium green matcha.

The Flavor Experience

Kōyō tastes richer and fuller than regular black tea. When you drink the whole leaf instead of just steeping and discarding it, the flavor (and health benefits) becomes more concentrated.

The texture is velvety with a slightly roasted character, and you'll notice cacao-like depth and malty sweetness. It has notes that remind us of dark chocolate and freshly baked bread.

It’s so comforting it brings back memories of the Taiwanese milk tea Freya and I loved growing up.

How to Prepare Red Matcha

Preparing Kōyō Red Matcha is simple. You'll use 1 tsp of red matcha powder, which is less than the 1.5 tsp we recommend for green matcha.

For traditional usucha style, sift your powder into a bowl. Add 60ml of hot water at around 80°C. Whisk for 15 to 30 seconds using a M and W motion. Top up with another 180ml of hot water and enjoy.

For a creamy latte, sift 1 tsp into your bowl. Add 60ml of hot water at 80°C and whisk for 30 seconds in that same zig-zag motion. Pour over 150ml of your favorite milk (we love oat).

When to Reach for It

Kōyō Red Matcha is perfect for the afternoon when you need steady energy to carry you through. Plus It offers a different experience than your morning green matcha.

But Kōyō isn't limited to your cup. You can blend it into sweets, shake it into cocktails, or experiment however you like. Kōyō invites you to play.