Whisk Matcha is devoted to sharing our curated selection of single cultivar Japanese matcha for your tastes, preferences, and habits.

Because we all deserve a healthy lifestyle with delicious choices.

Hi! We’re Joyce and Matt, founders of Whisk Matcha.

Before Whisk, we started our loose tea business named Short and Stout Tea in 2011 in Albany, NY. We sold tea at local farmers markets and craft fairs for a couple of years before we had an opportunity to open a brick-and-mortar store in our community. Today, Short and Stout is a full-service tea lounge, which offers premium tea both in-store and online. 

For decades, we’ve spent time learning about and appreciating tea in all of its varied forms, but matcha holds a special place in our hearts.

Joyce loves matcha because it is quick and easy to whisk up a bowl during her busy day. One small serving can provide a healthy dose of green and clean caffeine, but not too much to get wired. Matt (a former coffee drinker) likes matcha because its full body satisfies similarly to a cup of coffee. He also loves it for the calming and soothing effects of L-theanine. 

The Story Behind Single Cultivar Matcha

Just as a wine from a single type of grape has a distinctive, identifiable flavor, so does matcha from a single cultivar of Camellia Sinensis has a specific flavor. 

When you sample different cultivars, you’ll have a unique experience of tasting different flavors as well as terroir. The excitement will keep you coming back to try different varieties until you can find which ones you like best based on your unique palate and lifestyle, or simply for different occasions.

Matcha blends are made from various tea leaves that come from multiple areas, growers, and producers. When the tea leaves are mixed together, it is difficult to determine the origin of the blend and the quality of its ingredients. Blending technique is also used to lower production costs and to keep the product consistent.  While blends are more common, we are here to share and celebrate the uniqueness that each tea cultivar has to offer.

It’s cool in the shade

Unlike Camilla Sinensis plants grown for tea, these shrubs for matcha are covered up to 4 weeks before harvest for several reasons. The shading process helps preserve antioxidant content and L-theanine present in tea leaves. As bitterness is reduced, umami content and flavor of matcha cultivar is allowed to shine through.

Keep it Simple, or Celebrate the Sophisticated

There is an entire culture of matcha in Japan that has thrived for nearly 1,000 years. Taking time to create intricate ceremonies around matcha is a form of meditation and pleasure. For some, the highly ritualized and formal ceremony heightens the Zen experience. It creates a framework of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

On the other hand, many matcha drinkers enjoy the beverage for its taste and health benefits. Many (including ourselves) drink matcha as part of our regular routine, rather than a break from it. Because even taking just one moment to whisk a verdant cup of matcha, it is a gift–a chance to close our eyes and let the worries fade away before getting back to our busy day. 

Whichever kind of matcha drinker you are, we’re here for you. 

Because everyone deserves truly high-quality matcha … whether you’re about to jump into a busy day of conference calls, or you’re enjoying a personal tea ceremony in a garden. Bakers, we have you covered too!

Ready to start a healthy routine of drinking matcha? Start with our daily matcha.

Shop Daily Matcha Collection

Did you know?

Matcha-style beverages originated in 10th century China, and by 12th century, it was adopted for use in Japanese tea ceremonies.

Learn more about Matcha →