Red Leaf Matcha options? Decisions, decisions!

It really depends on how much you like matcha. If you’re not a big fan I’d recommend the lowest matcha grade with robust flavoring.

If you DO like matcha, I suggest you get their mid-tier or higher tier matcha with the lowest or second lowest flavoring option.

They have a matcha sampler out too that might be a good starting point :)

When I buy flavored matcha from RLT, I want to be able to taste the flavor I purchased. I usually go for the ‘robust’ category, and then depending on how I will be usually preparing the tea, go for a higher quality, or stick with the standard. I have tried their red matcha (rooibos) with caramel popcorn flavoring, and it is very excellent! a smooth nighttime brew, I highly recommend trying it.

Honestly, when I want to taste the nuances in my matcha, I would go for their deluxe straight up. I love matcha and I do not recommend going with the lowest grade if you don’t like the taste of matcha. It won’t make you like it any better.

My personal preference for flavored RLT is for fruity go with Distinctive as it is quite potent artificial like. For chocolately/creamy/ Robust is excellent. Delicate is moreso if you want a hint of flavor to enjoy the base matcha. I always went with the starter base as I mostly latte mine so quality wasn’t much of an issue.

For black/red/white matcha I highly recommend you get a sample first. I did not like black and white matcha so it was a lot of cash to find that out on the 30g size. As much as I dislike red rooibos, turns out I actually like red, but I purchased from another vendor (Aiya).

If you plan to smoothie your matchas, the Matchaccino is where it’s at – it has a bit of a thick texture to it and it’s already sweetened for you.

Personally I would recommend at least distinctive for their dessert-y flavors. Their delicate is truly delicate and I personally prefer a bit more flavor. When it comes to their fruity flavors… well, honestly I haven’t had much luck with those. Delicate seems much too subtle, but anything stronger has an odd artificial, almost plastic taste to me.
I take almost all my matcha as lattes or frappacinos (or whatever you would call a blended matcha drink) so the base matcha is okay with me. I would definitely upgrade if you plan on traditional brewing though.
I’ve never tried any of the other bases, though I’m very curious about the red base. I’ve heard great things. But shelling out ~$25 just to try it is not something I’m not sure I want to do.
Overall I definitely recommend their Panettone, Bavarian Cream, French Vanilla and French Butter Cookie matchas.

So my favourite flavors at this point have been: Coconut, Pineapple, Bananas & Cream, Champagne and Rich Berry Pie…

All at distinctive level flavouring, and basic grade.

Depends on how you are making it too. I do mine as a latte. I think my favorite is amaretto but caramel is also good.

I should also add the majority of my matcha I just drink straight with some water and maybe a little ice. I don’t do the lattes or all that.

I like the fruitier flavors for drinking cold and straight.

I like the dessert-y RLT matches and have always had the “normal”. They have been terrific. My favorites include the pistachio and the cheesecake. I make mine as a latte with cashew milk. Wonderful!! I also enjoy their “fake” Starbucks Green Tea Frapachino (sp?).

I always get the standard green base with robust flavoring. I can appreciate a higher quality matcha but since I kick the flavoring up so high, I don’t feel like a higher quality leaf is necessary for me to enjoy it. I also think RLT is kind of expensive, so I try to lower the cost as much as possible while still getting an enjoyable cuppa.

I make my matcha with hot water because I like traditional matcha. I’ve tried a matcha latte one time but wasn’t a fan. Matcha and milk to me is weird. My favorite flavorings are maple, caramel, cheesecake, and cotton candy. I like sweet things. :)

I am overwhelmed as well!! I am new to matcha, only had Teavana which I like. Found some organic match at Home Goods, figures for the cheap price I would try it and if I didn’t like, use it in my protein smoothies. I was right, it was awful, but for $7.99 I have my smoothie matcha :) With the coconut or almond milk, protein powder and bananas I don’t even taste the matcha.

So back to my point. I spent hours on the RLT site feeling like a kid lost on Wall Street. Finally spent $80 on something like 30 samples, half flavored, half not. So I could have fun and see what I like. It came yesterday, I tried the banana and WOW did it smell of banana (yes artifices though) but made a creamy, light matcha that I drank down faster then I ever did the Teavana matcha. So… I’m going to have fun with this. But my question is… When I’m done my million samples (will take awhile) do I now try the higher grades? The samples gave me no options so I assume they are all the base low grade which tasted just fine to me. What would be the difference in the higher grades and flavor categories? Am I going to get stronger, more bitter? Or sweeter more delicate? I thought this base was sweet and delicate. Haven’t tried a plain one yet, I may have that this morning. Some times too many options just stress me out! Wish I could sample taste them all somewhere and be educated on the nuances.