Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Rooibos & Honeybush

Where to Buy:  Chad’s Chai & Tea Co.

Product Description:

Made with leaves from the South African Rooibos bush, this caffeine-free chai is bursting with exotic spices and notes of cherry. Try it straight up or with milk. Great for all ages and times of the day.

Ingredients: (all organic chai) Organic Rooibos leaf, Organic Honeybush, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Black pepper, Organic Chili pepper, Organic Ginger, Organic Coriander, Organic Cardamom, Organic Calendula.

Taster’s Review:

I like this!  And there is so much to like…

I like that the base is a combination of rooibos and honeybush.  I like the flavor of these two South African herbs combined:  nutty with a pleasing honey-esque undertone.  I especially like that the two herbs (and the rest of the ingredients) are organic; as I’ve said on previous occasions, there is a difference that is noticeable in the flavor between the organically grown and conventionally grown rooibos.

I also like the spice level here.  It is spicy, but, I don’t find the spices to be too overwhelming.  It has just enough zest to it to give it a lively taste without setting the palate afire.  The chili pepper not only gives this a nice amount of heat, but also an interesting fruity note in the background.

This is a little different from a typical “red chai” in that it focuses more on the lively zip from peppery spices.  Because this chai doesn’t contain cloves, it doesn’t have that solid background of gentle warmth, instead, this has more of a peppery punch, and I like it!

Overall, this is a very flavorful cup.  It is warming and soothing – the kind of tisane I like to curl up to later in the evening, when I want something comforting.  I also like that no sweetening is required with this chai to bring out the spice flavors – there is a natural honey-like sweetness to the base already.  I enjoyed this without any milk or cream, but if you want a creamier cup of chai, this would take that addition well.

YUM!