Chai Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Blue Lotus Chai
Chai Description:
Our latest variety has the lush and delicious flavors of our secret mandarin orange/tangerine blend, in addition to the masala spices that our BLC lovers find so scrumptious. A new favorite!
Learn more about this chai here.
Taster’s Review:
This Mandarin Masala Chai from Blue Lotus Chai is really different than I expected. As I was preparing it, I kind of expected a sort of “holiday-ish” type black tea blend … you know what I’m talking about, right? The usual “cinnamon and orange” type holiday black tea.
But this isn’t that holiday orange tea at all! That’s not to say that I don’t like those holiday orange teas – I enjoy them! I’m just saying that this tastes quite different from what I was anticipating it to taste like.
Before I wrote this review, I tried this tea a couple of different ways. The first preparation – I prepared it the way I had prepared the other Blue Lotus Chai teas that I’ve enjoyed in the past, with a 1:1 ratio of hot water and steamed milk, and a heaping scoop of the Mandarin Masala Chai mix. (The most adorable little bamboo scoop is included in the package!) Then I stirred vigorously until the mix was completely incorporated. Then I got out my hand held frother to give the top a little bit if a foamy texture.
It’s yummy prepared this way. The tangerine/orange flavors together with the milk give a sort of “creamsicle” type of flavor, which is actually more of an accent flavor than a strong presence in the cup.
The spices are the main focus of this chai (as well they should be … this IS a chai!) I can really taste the nutmeg here. In the other Blue Lotus Chai blends, I could taste the nutmeg … but here, it really comes into its own … perhaps it’s the orange-y notes that really play to the nutmeg here to bring it out. The pepper is well-pronounced. The other spices are also strong … but, unlike some of those aforementioned holiday blends … this is NOT all about the cinnamon. This is not one of those sweet, cinnamon red-hot kind of teas. This is a chai and I taste the ginger and the black pepper … I taste the cinnamon and the nutmeg … and I taste the cardamom and the cloves! It’s a magnificent blend of spices! The black tea is also discernible, but, as I say … the spices are the main event here.
For my second cup of this chai, I decided to omit the milk and prepare this with just eight ounces of boiling water to see if the orange/tangerine flavors are more pronounced in just water versus the water/milk combination.
I actually prefer this particular chai from Blue Lotus Chai without the milk. It’s still nice and spicy, but I taste the tangerine and orange notes better. It’s brighter and more citrus-y … it’s really ZESTY like this … the spices seem to literally dance on the palate. It is spicy and absolutely delicious!
So, there you have it … I’ve tried all five of the chai blends that Blue Lotus Chai offers … and I’ve enjoyed them all. My favorite is still the Star Anise Masala Chai, but I would recommend all of these chai blends to anyone looking for a delicious chai! And since autumn is nearly here (I hope so, because I’m really tired of the heat!) the time is perfect for a yummy chai!
Mandarin Silk from The Persimmon Tree
Tea Type: Oolong Tea
Where To Buy:
The Persimmon Tree
Learn more about this tea here.
Product Description:
Ingredients
Organic Oolong Tea, Organic Lemon Myrtle, Marigold Petals, Natural Flavors * Characteristics Bold, Fragrant, Organic * Flavors Citrusy, Sweet * Caffeine Content Medium * Steep Temperature 195˚ * Steep Time 3-5 mins
Tasters Review:
This is one of the first online orders I placed as a new loose leaf tea drinker and oh what an introduction I got both from this tea and this company! Thinking back, this particular tea was sent as a sample with other items I ordered and it instantly went on my wish list for my next order. I didn’t find it difficult either to purchase my next order as The Persimmon Tree has a really generous rewards program! My only regret is I didn’t place my order sooner!
I shared this tea with many of my tea friends and the overall consensus was that this is a stellar tea!
I adore this tea! Its creamy, slightly tart with the lemon flavor I am finding I love in many teas, the vanilla is NOT over done and you can still taste the pouchong coming through. It has a silky creamy mouthfeel as well which I love. Whoever came up with this blend is a blending master because with so many wonderful flavor profiles going on in this tea the distinct pouchong flavor is top notch! They certainly did not skimp on the base in this tea, and the flavors do not cover it up at all yet each stand on their own quite nicely. Also it is not overly sweet which is nice, allowing one to add a little rock sugar, or whatever sweetener they prefer if they care to. This tea also holds up well to cream, almond milk, soy, again, whatever “creamer” you prefer.
This is a tea hardy enough to support whatever you wish to put into it without losing its wonderful aroma and flavors.
Oh and on the aroma … the smell is dreamy! The aromas that fill the air are that of a dessert tea yet the flavor itself does not latch on as cloying at all, even with a little added sweetener!
Generally this tea tastes like lemon bars, or vanilla cream filled lemon cookies, yet again, not in an overly sweet way.
I also find that a slightly lower heat level and a bit longer steep do this tea well. Otherwise you may find it a bit on the weak or watery side.
This tea is one of my favorites.
Mandarin Balsam Oolong Tea from Aftelier Perfumed Teas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Aftelier Perfumed Teas
Product Description:
The flavor and fragrance is based on the contrast between the syrupy vanilla sweetness of Peru balsam and the floral citrus of yellow mandarin, which marries beautifully with this full-bodied tea. This organic Wuyi oolong tea, with its slender tightly curled leaves, has a deep oxidized, roasted rice aroma and nutty flavor. Producing Wuyi Oolong tea is labor and time consuming: sun wilting, room wilting, shacking, dehydrating, roasting, rolling, cooling. The procedures occur repeatedly over days. Wuyi Oolong is even more aromatic after aging. Provides up to four infusions retaining their fragrance.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I was really impressed with the teas that I’ve tried from Aftelier Perfumed Teas, so when we were approached to try their latest creation, I was very excited.
This tea is really good. The vanilla tones of the balsam provide a really rich, creamy flavor and texture to the cup, and when combined with the deep, toasty flavor of the Wuyi Oolong, it is sublime! It reminds me very much of rice pudding, only in a teacup and without the fat and calories!
The mandarin contributes a sweet and slightly tangy flavor which contrasts well with the creamy vanilla rice notes. The floral tones are only slightly sharp, but it is enough to help cut through some of the sweeter tones to keep the tea from becoming too cloying for the palate.
It is a very elegant and luxurious kind of tea, but even so, I don’t think I’d classify this particular perfumed Oolong as a feminine tea. The more rugged qualities of the Wuyi give the tea balance.
What I like best about the teas that I’ve tried from Aftelier is this: they don’t try to cover up the flavor of the teas that they use. Instead, they embrace the natural qualities of each tea, and find the flavors that will accent and compliment them. I think that this latest creation from Aftelier exemplifies this, with the way that the deliciously creamy tones of the balsam accent the sweet, roasted notes of the Wuyi, and the mandarin coming in to brighten up the cup just so.
This is more than just a cup of tea, it’s a work of art!
Mandarin Rooibos from Mark T. Wendell
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Rooibos
Where to Buy: Mark T. Wendell
Product Description:
South African Rooibos herbal tea with mandarin orange flavor. It is an exotic twist on your favorite beverage. Easy to make into your favorite iced tea.
Taster’s Review:
On cold, gray days like this one, sunny tasting tisanes like this really make the day a little brighter. This blend really lets the sun shine in!
The fresh, juicy flavor of mandarin oranges really goes well with the natural wood and nut flavor of rooibos. The mandarin essence does not mask the natural flavors of the rooibos, it doesn’t need to! That’s because somehow the natural flavor of the mandarin melds so well with the taste of the rooibos, creating a profile that is smooth, light and delicious.
This is a very refreshing blend. I find this to be most inviting when it is iced, but it is also good hot. It has a natural sweetness to it, so it doesn’t need additional sweetening, but I find it to be very agreeable with a small drizzle of raw honey. I like the way the honey highlights the mandarin flavor.