Signature or Masters Reserve: Which NTM Matcha Is Right for You?
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Both are first flush. Both are shade-grown. Both are single cultivar, JAS certified organic, stone-milled to 10 microns. The standard is the same. What is different is the cultivar, the origin, and what each one produces in the cup. Here is how to choose.
If you are new to NTM matcha
Start with the Signature Ceremonial Matcha.
It is the matcha we use at our Sea Point bar every day. Every drink we whisk to order is made from Signature. That is not a coincidence. Yabukita from Uji is clean, naturally sweet, with a pronounced umami and a finish that is smooth and uncomplicated. It is the benchmark for what ceremonial grade matcha should taste like and the right starting point for understanding what good matcha actually is.
If you have had matcha before and found it bitter or flat, Signature is the one to try first. It will reset that baseline.
If you already drink matcha regularly
The Masters Reserve is worth exploring.
Okumidori from Wazuka is a more demanding cultivar grown in steeper, higher-altitude terrain than the Uji valley floor. It produces a deeper, more layered cup. The umami is more pronounced. The finish is longer. There is a richness to the body that sits differently to Signature and takes a moment to fully register.
It is not that Masters Reserve is better. It is that it is more complex. Some people find Yabukita's clarity is what they want every day. Others find Okumidori's depth is what they come back to. Both are valid. The difference is real and immediately noticeable once you have tried both.
If you are buying as a gift
The Founders Set is the right choice if the person does not already have the tools. It includes everything needed to make matcha properly at home: bowl, chasen, scoop and sifter. You can pair it with either matcha.
If they already have the tools, a tin of Signature is the more accessible gift. Masters Reserve is the right choice for someone who already drinks ceremonial grade matcha and wants to go further.
For something more considered, the Jo Malone London x Nice To Matcha set pairs our matcha tools with a Jo Malone London travel candle. It is the most complete gift option we offer.
The side by side
| Signature Ceremonial | Masters Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivar | Yabukita | Okumidori |
| Origin | Uji, Kyoto | Wazuka, Kyoto |
| Flavour | Clean, sweet, smooth umami | Deep, layered, nutty |
| Best for | Daily drinking, first time buyers | Regular matcha drinkers, gifting |
| Used at the bar | Yes, every drink | Available in store |
The honest answer
If you are unsure, buy Signature first. It is what we drink every day and what we would recommend to anyone starting out. If you finish it and want to go deeper, Masters Reserve is waiting.
Both are available online, delivered nationwide across South Africa, and in-store at our Sea Point bar.