Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: The Chai Cart
Product Description:
This blend of full-leaf black tea, dried mint and ginger makes a bold yet refreshing cup of Mint Chai. The fragrance of these invigorating yet soothing herbs will calm and recharge you. The key to a good, wholesome cup of chai is the tea itself. Our tea comes from organic estates in Assam, the source of India’s most famous tea leaves. Our tea and spices are perfectly balanced to create a soothing and inspiring cup of Mint Chai that can only be found at The Chai Cart. Reuse the tin container as gift/jewelry box or to store spices.
Taster’s Review:
I was excited to try this chai, especially after my SororiTea Sister’s glowing review of it. And it IS indeed delicious, and after trying it, I can see why she loves it so much. The mint is strong but not overwhelming while the spices are moderate.
The black tea offers a substantial, bold taste to the cup. There is a fair amount of drying astringency to the tea but no bitterness. A good, solid black base that can be tasted amongst the strength of mint and ginger.
As I said previously, the mint is strong, but it isn’t overpowering. Sometimes, mint can be a rather selfish herb when used in tea and it can overwhelm other ingredients, but here it’s balanced well. The ginger peeks through the minty taste, and the peppery flavor of the ginger compliments the crisp mint flavor. I can also taste an occasional hint of lemongrass … just a hint.
And as much as I’m enjoying this cup, I feel like it’s missing some spice. The spices aren’t as well-rounded as I would like. Perhaps its because I tried The Chai Cart’s Masala Chai blend first, and it was so pleasantly spiced, I think I was expecting the same Masala spice blend used here. That being said, I like this for what it is.
I have tried this Mint Chai twice now, the first time I prepared it, I brewed it extra strong and served it latte style with some steamed, frothed milk. While I did enjoy it prepared this way, I found that the milk was a little too much for this chai, the mint tasted a little muddled and the rich flavors of the black tea were masked.
This time, I decided to go “non-latte” and I like it much better this way. It even has enough flavor to it that it doesn’t need sweetener, although a dollop of honey would bring out some of the more delicate notes.
The mint and the ginger together make this a perfect choice to sip after meals. It is very soothing and delicious.
