Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Culinary Teas
Product Description:
A traditional chai tea with the addition of creamy vanilla.
Taster’s Review:
YUM! I know I’ve said it often, but I do love a good chai. I fell in love with Chai well before I really discovered loose leaf tea, as it was my favorite beverage at the cafe in Borders Bookstore (I miss Borders!) Shortly after that, I started discovering loose leaf tea, and the rest is history … but my love of chai continues even though I’ve fallen in love with other teas too. (I hope chai isn’t the jealous type!)
What is nice about this particular Chai blend is the addition of vanilla, which gives it a chai latte taste even without the addition of milk (although, I’m sure a splash of steamed milk wouldn’t hurt). It tastes creamy, rich and sweet – DELICIOUS!
The black tea base is a blend – I suspect there is some Assam in there, although I don’t know that it is an all Assam base. Perhaps a blend of Ceylon and Assam? It has a bold taste to it and hints of malt in the background. Very rich and solid background of flavor from this black tea blend.
The blend of spices used in this blend includes ginger, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. It is very well balanced. No one spice overpowers the others – it is a very cohesive combination of flavors that creates an overall flavor of warm spice rather than strong individual spice notes.
It is the vanilla in this particular blend that offers a stand-out performance, and I think that’s appropriate. This chai delivers what it promises. Smooth, creamy vanilla and deliciously warm chai – and it is a perfect cuppa for this chilly autumn afternoon.
