Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Tea Description:
If this doesn’t warm you up on a cold day, you better check your pulse.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I think I’ve mentioned this before here – at least once! – but I love red hots. They were definitely one of my favorite candies when I was a kid. I loved that spicy cinnamon flavor.
So, I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed the first time I brewed this. It was a delicious chai, but it didn’t have the spicy hot cinnamon flavor that I wanted. But, I’ve come to realize the fault was not with the chai, but with me. I was a bit distracted, and before I took a moment to sip it without additions, I added some warmed, frothed milk to it to make a latte. The milk – unfortunately – muted the spicy cinnamon flavor. Delicious, but not quite what I expected from a “Red Hot Chai.”
So this time when I brewed this tea, I decided to go non-latte, and see what happens. It is MUCH better like this. I can now taste a bit of the red hot-ness going on. Very cinnamon-y! I can taste the other spices here too, however, they become more of a supporting cast to the starring role of the cinnamon. Especially nice is the cardamom, which brings in a hint of citrus-y flavor which accents the cinnamon nicely; and the anise which offers a whisper of licorice-y flavor in the distance. This isn’t a strong flavor, but I like how it teases the palate as I sip. The black tea base is also discernible amid the strength of the cinnamon, providing a solid, robust flavor.
Overall, a very tasty chai. It isn’t my favorite chai from 52Teas (still loving the Gingerbread Chai, Frank), but, it is quite enjoyable and definitely has a cinnamon kick!
