Source Notes | Okuju Matcha

We’re excited to introduce Source Notes, a new multi-format series where Kettl founder Zach Mangan tastes through the Kettl catalog and shares the stories behind our teas—the people, places, seasons, and details that make each offering unique. Through Instagram videos, blog entries, travel diaries, and in-person tastings, Zach will take you deeper into the world of Japanese tea, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the stories behind every Kettl offering. Interested in learning the unique story behind a specific offering? Let us know on Instagram, and we’ll explore it together. 

Each edition features a tea chosen by our community. In the first installment, Zach shares the story behind Okuju, our first custom Uji blend, and explores what makes Okumidori such a special cultivar. He looks beyond its flavor to the qualities it brings to the cup—from its vibrant color and silky texture to its distinctive aroma—and why it was chosen as the sole cultivar for this offering.

Stay tuned for the next installment of Source Notes on Instagram, and join us for upcoming in-person tastings and activations as we continue to explore the people, places, and traditions behind Japanese tea. Have a story you’d like Zach to explore? We’d love to hear from you.