Hope & Glory is a new company to me but this was a lovely introduction to their teas. While exploring their site, I noticed they had an interesting assortment of tea collections which see the teas sorted by certain characteristics. This particular tea is part of the Rajah Collection which is Hope & Glory’s collection of special and unique teas.
In keeping with the idea of “special and unique” I decided to do something new and different when I prepped this tea. I used a glass of skim milk and about 2-3 teaspoons of tea and heated it over the stove, bringing the milk to a boil and then dropping the heat and letting it simmer for 10 minutes. Alright, so maybe it isn’t that innovative a brewing technique, especially for a chai, but this method was new and different for me.
As I stood at the stove whisking away for the entire 15 minute process, all I could think was “this better be worth it” and now that I am sipping away at the tea I made, I think I can say it was. Normally I brew chai the same way I would a latte, by steeping it in boiled water and topping it with steamed milk. This honestly brought everything together much more harmoniously. As someone who doesn’t love chai, this is a drink I am really enjoying.
What stands out to me is the ginger. It isn’t contributing heat but there is a huge punch of ginger flavor that is providing an awesome contrast to the more sweeter flavors here such as the milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The cloves are also front and center, contributing another flavor punch while still feeling as though it mixes perfectly with the rest of the ingredients. Creamy and delightful, this tea has a whole lot going for it. As someone who finds spices in chai are often way off balance, this one is really doing it for me. Now I am wondering if that is the tea or the prep method? Either way I am glad I have some more of this sample left so I can have this again. It’s the perfect spicy/sweet treat to keep warm with on the cold evenings ahead.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Hope & Glory
Description
A full-bodied blend of organic Ceylon black tea and spices, Masala Chai derives from the Hindi literally meaning ‘mixed-spice tea’. Spices such as cardamom and cinnamon have been expertly blended to give a warming, rich blend of flavours and a sweet aroma.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Maharaja Chai and Samurai Chai Blend from Teavana. . . . .
If you’re anything like me, your friends and family know you love your tea– and have been gifting accordingly this Christmas. In a recent office secret santa swap, I hit the total tea jackpot– a brand new gravity (gravi-tea– heee :)) steeper for my desk at work, and a GIGANTIC tin of this chai blend from Teavana. Score!
Now, early on in my tea-drinking years, Teavana was an initial fave, but in the last few years as I’ve discovered amazing small-batch companies and other small businesses that I love to patronize, I don’t really shop at this iconic mall tea shop anymore. That being said, I know they’re a beloved staple for so many tea drinkers, so I was pumped to get to try one of their more popular blends this holiday season through the generosity of a work friend.
First things first: does this dry leaf ever have the SCENT! It is perhaps the strongest spice from dry leaf that I’ve ever had. Super present are the scents of anise and cardamom, which jump right out to me in the brewed cup as well. This is lovely with some cream, no sweetener needed (unless you like your chai syrupy). My only complaint is that this blend is SO heavy on the spice that I can’t taste any of the tea leaf in my cup– which is supposedly a blend of mate, oolong, and green rooibos. I’d love for this to taste more distinctly tea-ified rather than just being so strong on the spices, but if you’re a fan of spiced chai like I am, this one will hit all the notes of a good chai for you. And deliciously warming for the wintertime, to boot!
Nicely done on this blend, Teavana.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong/Mate blend
Where to Buy: Teavana
Description
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Firebird Chai from Wendigo Tea Co. . . . .
Firebird Chai from Wendigo Tea Co. is a dandy of a medium strength chai! I didn’t find it too overly spicy but it still had a nice flavor to it. It contains Indian Estate black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper & all spice. I like when companies specify which black tea they use in their chai base. I’m seeing this more and more as of late.
With a name like Firebird Chai from Wendigo Tea Co I was thinking it was going to be the more intensely flavored chais. This really wasn’t the case but if you look at the product description they say many people add sugar, sweeteners, milk or milk alternatives to even out the spices in chai and that isn’t needed here.
I think my favorite part of Firebird Chai from Wendigo Tea Co is that there is a somewhat defined Earthiness to this chai offering. I find that unique and I welcome it! Firebird Chai from Wendigo Tea Co is a goodie!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Wendigo Tea Co.
Description
FireBird
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
On the 6th Day of Christmas 52Teas Sent To Me. . . (Spoilers)
Cue the music! On the 6th Day of Christmas, 52Teas Sent to Me. . . .(Scratch off your sticker)
Wnter Cabin Chai Black Tea
Today’s weather is frigid cold. Like you go outside for a second and you are already regretting it. So today’s tea -Winter Cabin Chai Black Tea is perfect.
I brewed up a the entire pouch because the whole family loves chai lattes and this tea just sounded like it wanted to become a latte. First whiff of the dry leaf, I wasn’t sure if this would be a tea for me. I hoped so because this was also a tea that was offered in this month’s 52Teas Subscription Box. I had my fingers crossed!
Brewed up and allowed to cool while I frothed the milk, the gorgeous spicy aromas filled the kitchen. Typically I’m not a chai fan but today it sounded good and boy did this tea hit the spot.
Topped with froth milk, this chai delivers on a flavor that I instantly devoured. Rich robust clover flavors, hint of maybe ginger here and there along with cardamom, mixed with a soft cinnamon note and topped with the frothed almond milk. . . this latte had it all! I think there is even a smoky flavor so I’m wondering if a lapsang was used. Very well done and one I’ not sure I’d grab for often but on really cold days like today, these flavors are hitting the spot!!
Here is the official description and Mad Musings about this tea. As I have done with all of the teas, I write my review before the description and Mad Musings come out.
Winter Cabin Chai!
Tea Description: I’m not exactly sure how to explain my inspiration behind this tea except to say that I wanted to create something that evoked thoughts of a little cabin out in the woods during a winter snowstorm. Inside the cabin, it’s warm and toasty, there’s a fire cracking in the fireplace and you’re – yes you! Not me, I’d prefer no snowstorm please. Since I’m the one writing the story, you’ll be the character in the story, m-kay? You’re curled up in front of the fireplace, wrapped in a warm, fuzzy blanket and you’re roasting marshmallows. I wanted a chai that captured that story. I wanted something warm and spicy but also sweet and toasty. Something that hints of slightly charred marshmallows while still letting you know that it’s a chai you’re sipping. I wanted the spices to be in the forefront but not so aggressive that the delightful roasted marshmallow flavor is overpowered. And I think I’ve accomplished what I set out to do – try it yourself and see if you agree!
organic ingredients: black teas, honeybush, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, clove, black pepper, nutmeg,
marshmallow root, vanilla bean and natural flavors.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Description
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
It’s Time To Get Your Chai On! Organic Masala Chai from Full Leaf Tea Company
Organic Masala Chai from Full Leaf Tea Company was my morning companion recently. I was looking for a straight-up chai. CHECK! Organic? That’s ALWAYS a PLUS! Check!!! Full, plump, and obvious ingredients to the eye? CHECK! I’d say this was a complete SCORE! But how does it TASTE? Let me tell you!
Organic Masala Chai from Full Leaf Tea Company uses Certified Organic Black Tea from India mixed with organic ginger, organic cinnamon, organic cardamom, and organic cloves. The traditional ingredients and spices you have come to grow and love in a chai, right? RIGHT!
It’s spicy, bold, and slightly sweet. It’s not the most intensely flavored chai I have ever tasted but it doesn’t disappoint that is for sure! It has a nice medium strength black tea base with medium strength spices to boot!
I found this to be completely satisfying on the recent cold wintery mornings here in the snowbelt. I think this is a chai that would please the masses!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type:
Where to Buy: Full Leaf
Description
An absolute delight! Spicy, bold, and sweet all in the same cup! The finest ingredients have been brought together for this premium organic chai blend.
Certified Organic Black Tea from India is mixed with organic ginger, organic cinnamon, organic cardamom, and organic cloves.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!