Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Chad’s Chai and Tea Company
Product Description:
This magical blend of tea and aromatic spices will carry you away to exotic lands. Crafted in true India-style,this Masala chai is the best you will find anywhere, at least on this side of the world!
Ingredients: Full leaf Indian Black Tea, Organic Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Clove, Organic Chili Pepper, Organic Ginger, Star Anise, Organic Cardamom.
Taster’s Review:
This is a very nice, even-tempered chai tea. It has a pleasantly warm, spiced tone to it without being too spicy. I did expect it to be a bit spicier than it is, actually, what with the presence of Chili Pepper in the ingredient list. But, the Chili Pepper is more of a background note and does not overwhelm the cup.
That being said, the Chili Pepper flavor does develop as I continue to sip on this tea. At the start, there is very little Chili Pepper flavor, and by mid-cup, the I can feel the Chili Pepper on the sides of my mouth and on my tongue. It is still not at a hot or uncomfortable level, but it is more than I had experienced at the start.
What I like best about this particular chai is the Star Anise. This is not the only chai that I’ve tasted with Star Anise, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I just happen to like the way the Star Anise expresses itself here. It doesn’t have a strong or sharp licorice flavor, it is a sweet hint of licorice that sort of comes and goes throughout the sip. Very nice.
This tea also has a somewhat surprising note of pumpkin that presents itself in the aroma of the dry leaf as well as the brewed liquor. The pumpkin essence is also tasted slightly in the cup, it is not a strong essence, but I can taste the distinct squash notes of pumpkin! It’s surprising but quite good.
The other spices of this blend are very well balanced. I can taste notes of cinnamon, clove, ginger, black pepper and cardamom, but they do not seem to be in competition with each other. They provide a very even base of spice that is warm and inviting. Delicious!
This is a very good masala chai blend. I enjoyed it with a dollop of honey and no milk – but it is equally as good served latte-style with a splash of milk.
