Star Anise Masala Chai from Blue Lotus Chai

by liberteas

AniseChaiChai Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Blue Lotus Chai

Chai Description:

Our new Star Anise Masala Chai is absolutely delicious! It has all of the signature BLC spices, with star anise contributing deep, but subtle licorice notes.

Learn more about this chai here.

Taster’s Review:

OK … do you guys remember when I first reviewed the Original Masala Chai from Blue Lotus Chai and I suggested in that review that they add some Star Anise or Fennel to the chai for some licorice-y notes?  Well, guess what?  They took my advice!  (Those people at Blue Lotus Chai … they’re smart cookies!)  And they contacted me after they perfected the blend … and sent me some of it to try!  And I’m sure it’s no great surprise:  I love this stuff!

I like this Star Anise Masala Chai from Blue Lotus Chai even better than the original Masala Chai, and I’m not just saying that because I suggested the Star Anise.  I’m saying because I love that hint of licorice-y snap that the additional spice adds.  It’s just a hint of licorice-like taste.  It doesn’t attempt to compete with the other spices, instead, it blends in there harmoniously, creating a very enjoyable, exceptionally well-spiced cup of chai!

This is delicious iced too.  Instead of adding the full 4 ounces of water to the chai, I’ll add some ice cubes to the blender along with the chai mix and milk, and blend until the ice cubes are obliterated.  It’s like a frosty cool, iced “frappe/freddo” type of beverage you might get from the local coffee shop without having to pay five bucks a cup for it.  YUM!

The spices here are good and strong – just like in the original Masala Chai from Blue Lotus Chai – spicy, peppery and sweet.  I love the balance of spices in this chai because one spice is not stronger or heavier than the others … I taste a little bit of cinnamon, a little bit of clove … a little bit of ginger, black pepper, nutmeg and cardamom too.  And then there is that delightful licorice-y tone from the Star Anise!  LOVE!

This is the PERFECT chai … I love love love it.  I might … even like this better than my Masterpiece Chai.  And that’s saying something … because … well, that was a masterpiece!  (Even if I do say so myself.)   Next suggestion for the brilliant minds at Blue Lotus Chai:  How about a Chocolate Rose Chai!

liberteas

Anne (aka the Mad Tea Artist) has celebrated her 29th birthday for many years now. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her hubby and her youngest daughter. Her oldest daughter is married and has bestowed Anne with the proud title of "Gramma" and her grandson is about the cutest boy you ever did see. Anne started her journey with tea as a casual drinker and became more serious about her tea drinking when she realized that she couldn't drink coffee. Shortly thereafter, she started becoming obsessed with the beverage and she started creating small-batch, artisan blends of tea that she sold online as LiberTEAS. After a few years, she realized she wasn't cut out to be the sole proprietor of a business so she closed LiberTEAS and started reviewing teas online. She met Jennifer through another blog that they both reviewed for and they decided to start their own review blog. This review blog! Throughout her journey as a tea reviewer, she discovered 52Teas and became enamored with the idea of creating a new tea every week. When the founder of 52Teas decided he wanted to move on, he offered the business to Anne but knowing that she wasn't cut out to be a sole proprietor, she instead offered the company to her oldest daughter who employs her as the Mad Tea Artist for 52Teas!

This post was posted in Black Tea, Chai

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