What does Gokou matcha taste like?
Gokou is dense, savory-sweet, and full-bodied. Both scored blends in our database: umami 9, bitterness 2, sweetness 8, body 9 — one of the most consistent high-floor profiles we track. Bitterness 2 means no edge at koicha concentration either. Closest in character to Samidori, but slightly richer in texture.
Why is Gokou matcha hard to find?
Production is concentrated in Uji's Shirakawa district — a fraction of Yabukita or Samidori volume. During the shortage, Kettl Shirakawa Gokou ($3.15/g, single-cultivar) went out of stock as of May 2026. The practical US-accessible option now is Ippodo Ummon-no-Mukashi — a Gokou-Samidori blend, not a single-cultivar release.
Which Gokou matcha blends can I buy in the US right now?
Two US-accessible blends with documented Gokou: Ippodo Ummon-no-Mukashi ($2.25/g, Gokou-Samidori blend, umami 9, bitterness 2, body 9) — in stock. Kettl Shirakawa Gokou ($3.15/g, single-cultivar) — out of stock as of May 2026. For Gokou character now: Ummon-no-Mukashi. For single-cultivar Gokou: set a restock alert on Kettl Shirakawa Gokou.
Is Gokou matcha suitable for koicha?
Yes. Body 9, bitterness 2 — Gokou is koicha-capable. Thick preparation amplifies the savory density without adding harshness. Ippodo recommends Ummon-no-Mukashi for koicha; our scores support it. At $2.25/g for a body-9 blend, it's a reasonable koicha entry price. Single-cultivar Gokou at koicha weights runs higher and is constrained right now.