Ceremonial-grade matcha
The highest grade — smooth, sweet, made to be drunk plain.
Also known as: ceremonial matcha
Ceremonial-grade matcha is made from the youngest, most tender shaded leaves and stone-ground finer than other grades. The result is bright neon green, smooth on the tongue, naturally sweet, and deeply umami — fine enough to enjoy with water alone. Ceremonial-grade is wasted in lattes (the milk masks what you paid for); reserve it for usucha and koicha. Expect to pay $30–80 for a 30g tin.