Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Rooibos
Where to Buy: Fusion Teas
Tisane Description:
By itself, chai is merely the generic word for “tea” in much of South Asia and many other parts of the world. In western society chai has become to imply a spiced version of tea. Traditionally a strong base is used so that the spices and sweeteners do not overpower it. Rooibos is perfect in this manner because of the bold almost nuttiness flavor that is present.
There are a wide variety of spices that can be used. When you think of chai you immediately think of “warm” spices. Any combination of the following can be used: cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, fennel seeds, peppercorn, cloves, ginger, and star anise. Cardamon being the most common added spice for its dominant characteristic while a combination of the others play a supplemental role. Our Red Bush Chai stays true to tradition with its boldness.
Taster’s Review:
I’ve sampled quite a few chai-inspired rooibos blends. Some I’ve liked, some I didn’t. I like this one. It is warm and spicy without being too spicy.
In many rooibos chai blends, I don’t taste much from the rooibos, and usually I’m quite happy with that. However, I do taste the rooibos here – I taste that distinct nutty flavor of rooibos – and I am finding myself really enjoying the taste. The sweet, nutty flavor of the rooibos melds nicely with warmth of the spices, adding a pleasant depth to this cup. Also nice is the bright flavor from the citrus peel. It isn’t a dominate flavor, but it adds a vibrant kiss of flavor to the drink.
I really like the blend of spices. A nice peppery kick – but not too powerful a kick. A hint of sweet, sassy licorice from the fennel and anise, but unlike some chai blends that add the fennel and/or anise with a heavy hand, here, the licorice tones are in the background, providing a gentle, welcome flavor. Warmth from the cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.
Really tasty, this Red Bush Chai from Fusion Tea Room!
Cherry Fiesta Tea from Sands of Thyme
Tea Type: Rooibos
Where To Buy: Sands of Thyme
Product Description:
Ingredients: rooibos, cherries, flavor, cinnamon, orange peels, ginger bits, cinnamon sticks, candied pineapple bits (pineapple, sugar), candied papaya bits (papaya, sugar), candied mango bits (mango, sugar), cardamom, star-anise, cloves, vanilla bits, rose petals
Tasters Review:
You know when you go to Folk Art Fairs and you smell dried fruits and spices in potpourri…that’s what this smells like! This is very nice and very home-E.
The ingredients go well with the Rooibos here. I can first taste the cherries and cinnamon/stick as well as a hint of vanilla and sugar. I can also pick up on subtle hints of pineapple, mango, and anise. The after taste is sugary-fruity-sweet.
This is tasty! There is a lot going on here but it’s a fun and interesting cuppa!
Chai Indienne from Sands of Thyme
Tea Type: Chai (Black Tea Base)
Where To Buy:
Sands of Thyme
and/or
Sands of Thyme
(Yup! Check out BOTH Shops!)
Product Description:
Ingredients: black tea, cinnamon, ginger bits, cardamom, cloves, flavoring, black pepper, rose blossom leaves, vanilla bits, safflowers
Tasters Review:
I have been seeing SANDS OF THYME mentioned online by a few fellow tea freaks lately so when we were able to try some of the Sands of Thyme Teas I was more than happy!
I LOVE their shop name on Etsy! I just have to point that out!
So far one of my favorites is their Chai Indienne.
It’s light on aroma but not on taste! The spices are JUST RIGHT for me! The cinnamon is a little bit stronger than the ginger. The cardamom and cloves are in there too – as well as the black pepper. I appreciate these specific ingredients not being too strong. I can taste floral notes as well! The rose petals are a nice touch. The vanilla is noticeable in the middle of the sip and more-so as it cools. I applaud the vanilla in this case – it helps with the other spicy spices and really added to the mix of flavors!
This is a good chai, indeed!