- Description
Kotobuki (寿) is part of the Chaseki Private Label collection - a culinary matcha crafted by our partner tea producers in Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, and sold exclusively under the Chaseki brand.
About Kotobuki
Kotobuki is part of our Culinary Matcha collection and is a Chaseki Private Label product - crafted by established tea producers in Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture and sold exclusively under the Chaseki brand.
Where Shunju is warm and dessert-forward (dark chocolate, hazelnut, vanilla), Kotobuki is clean and savoury - a matcha that behaves more like a traditional green tea character in the cup before the creamy, custardy, milk chocolate notes land on the finish. The slightly dry mineral notes and whisper of smokiness give it a balanced, composed quality that makes it one of the more versatile culinary options in the range.
Taste Profile
Mouthfeel: Thin, creamy Finish: Medium, balanced Character: Savoury green, buttery, milk chocolate finish Flavor NotesKotobuki opens with fresh-cut grass and a clean hint of saltiness - direct and distinctly savoury for a culinary matcha. Buttered peas and green asparagus follow through the vegetal mid-palate, well-defined and clean. A creamy, buttery texture develops alongside, smooth and custardy without heaviness. Subtle hints of vanilla and milk chocolate land on the finish - lighter and softer than Shunju's dark chocolate profile. Slightly dry mineral notes and a whisper of smokiness complete the close, giving the finish a composed, clean structure. A perfectly balanced sip.
How to Use Kotobuki
Best suited for:- Matcha lattes (hot and iced)
- Bakery and baked goods
- Coconut water matcha
Kotobuki's clean, savoury structure works particularly well in lattes where the saltiness and mineral notes prevent flatness and the buttery texture integrates smoothly with milk. In bakery, its savoury-forward character complements a wider range of recipes than sweeter culinary matchas - matcha bread, savoury pastries, and applications where a balanced green tea flavour rather than a sweet one is needed. Not recommended for usucha or koicha - for drinking straight, choose from the Yame Ceremonial range starting with Fukusho.
How Kotobuki Compares
Within the Chaseki Private Blend Yame culinary range, Kotobuki sits between Shunju and Meian. Shunju is sweeter and more dessert-forward - dark chocolate, cacao nibs, toasted hazelnut. Kotobuki is more savoury and structured - grass, salinity, buttered peas, and a milk chocolate finish. Meian is the most indulgent - pure dark chocolate, cacao nibs, and vanilla in a buttery finish. Kotobuki is the most versatile of the three for a broad café menu.
Origin & Sourcing
Kotobuki is a Chaseki Private Label product, crafted by established tea producers in Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture and sold exclusively under the Chaseki brand. Yame's centuries of shade-grown tea cultivation produce a distinctive regional character - deep color, clean umami, and complex flavor - that informs the Chaseki Private Label line. Chaseki has specialized in Japanese matcha since November 2018 and has supplied Thailand's professional tea industry since 2020, training more than 2,500 students through workshops on matcha preparation, sourcing, and business.
Sizes & Packaging
Kotobuki is available in:
- 50g pouch
- 100g, 250g, 500g, and 1,000g pouches for cafés and professional kitchens
Starting at THB 1,052 per 50g. Wholesale pricing available for verified B2B accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kotobuki differ from Shunju?
Both are Chaseki Private Blend culinary matchas from Yame. Shunju is built around dark chocolate, cacao nibs, and toasted hazelnut - richer and dessert-forward. Kotobuki is more savoury: fresh-cut grass with saltiness, buttered peas and asparagus, milk chocolate, and a slightly dry mineral smokiness on the finish. Kotobuki suits savoury-forward menus. Shunju suits sweeter, chocolate-forward lattes.
What is the mineral smokiness note in Kotobuki?
The mineral smokiness is described as "slightly dry mineral notes and a whisper of smokiness" - clean and structural rather than heavy. In lattes, it adds subtle depth that prevents flatness without dominating the milk character.
Is Kotobuki good for matcha lattes?
Yes. Buttery, custardy texture integrates smoothly in milk. Fresh-cut grass and salinity add clean, savoury structure. Milk chocolate complements dairy and plant-based milks naturally. A strong choice for savoury-forward latte menus.
Can Kotobuki be used for bakery?
Yes. Its buttery, slightly savoury character works well in baked goods where a clean, well-defined matcha flavor complements rather than dominates - matcha bread, savoury pastries, and balanced sweet recipes.
What is the difference between Ceremonial, Daily, and Latte Matcha?
Ceremonial is for usucha and koicha. Daily is for regular enjoyment. Latte is for milk-based preparations.
Is Kotobuki suitable for beginners?
Yes. Approachable for café operators and home bakers. For drinking straight, start with Fukusho.
How should I choose the right matcha for my use?
For savoury, structured lattes and bakery, Kotobuki is the right choice. For sweeter applications, Shunju or Meian. For drinking straight, choose from the Yame Ceremonial range.
How should I store matcha properly?
Fridge or freezer, airtight container. Fresh four months in the fridge. Over one year frozen. Return to room temperature before opening.
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes. Caffeine and L-theanine, calmer energy compared to coffee.
Is Chaseki matcha sourced directly from Japan?
Yes. Chaseki Private Blend matcha is sourced from Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.
Is this matcha suitable for cafes?
Yes. Available in larger formats. Contact us for wholesale pricing.
What is the difference between single-cultivar and blended matcha?
Single-cultivar highlights one cultivar. Chaseki Private Blends are developed to perform in their recommended preparation styles.
Related Products
- Shunju - sweeter and darker, dark chocolate and hazelnut character
- Meian - the most indulgent, pure dark chocolate and vanilla
- Fukusho - entry into the Yame Ceremonial range
- Matcha for Your Café Menu