This tea comes in… a bag? A BAG? WHAT DO YOU PEOPLE TAKE ME FOR? A PEASANT?
(Just kidding. Great teas can come in bags.)
This chai has one of the heartiest, butchest bases I’ve ever had. It’s described as a “malty Assam” on Choice’s site, which I think is apt. That phrase is better than anything I would have typed on my own. What I would have typed is:
“This is a rugged-man base tea. Not smoky, like the Marlboro Man. More like Wolverine, after a long day of fighting villainy. He comes home to a dark, crusty bread he just eats whole, without fussy butter or knives.”
Yes, the two manliest men I can conjure up offhand are the Marlboro Man and Wolverine. After that, my brain supplies up John Cena, the Rock, and that hot werewolf from True Blood. (In case you were wondering. Which you most likely were not.)
While the tea’s in your mouth, you’re in Dude Land. As you swallow, the chai spices check in with you to see how your day’s going. This is, technically, a chai (cinnamon in black tea, guys), but I think it’s more of a black tea — with chai elements.
I could see grabbing a box of this and taking it traveling with you. Boxed tea is great on-the-go. I drag along a steeping ball on my vacations, along with a bunch of loose teas, and I worry that some TSA agent is going to think my tea is, well, NOT tea.
And then they’d call in the sniffer-dogs to check, and then — and this is the worst part — they would NOT LET ME PET THE SNIFFER DOG. My hand would reach toward that beagle/lab/Germie and they would be like “NO, YOU TEA PSYCHO. YOU CANNOT PET HIM. HE IS WORKING.”
And I’d cry in the middle of the Pittsburgh airport.
And I am an UGLY CRIER, squad. Pink face. Snot. Puffing up. The whole shebang.
So I guess what I’m TRYING TO SAY HERE is that 1) bagged teas have a time and place, and 2) this is a good example of one that I enjoyed.
See how I tied that digression in? I wasn’t sure it was going to be possible, especially when I got into the airport thing.
Hope you enjoyed this review, and this tea.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Choice Organic Teas
Description
Spice things up with this bold classic, featuring malty Assam tea from India’s Brahmaputra River Valley. We blend rich, robust black tea with masala spices for a spirited cup that warms your body and soul. It blends perfectly with milk and sweetener for an authentic cha
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Organic Masala Chai from Hope & Glory. . .
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!
Organic Rabbit Hole Chai Tea from The Rabbit Hole
Tea Type: Chai (Black Tea Base)
Where To Buy: The Rabbit Hole
Product Description:
Sweet, smooth and spicy. Sounds like the recipe for a steamy love affair. Brew our chai with milk and a squeeze of honey then cosy up to this gorgeous hottie.
Warning – herbs can have side effects. Check with your medical practitioner if you are pregnant/breastfeeding/taking medication or unsure if this blend is suitable for you.
Tasters Review:
I have to say I am down-right excited and giddy to bring several Rabbit Hole Tea Reviews to you over the next few weeks and months! This Organic Rabbit Hole Chai is the first of many we will be reviewing here at SororiTEA Sisters! The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar is located in Australia and online and I must say I am VERY impressed with this company, their offerings, and their customer service!
As for their signature Chai…the dry aroma is very memorable! It has that chai aroma but the black tea is bold and not hidden by the spices AND is almost fruity to the nose…maybe a little bubblegum type scent to it trying to hide underneath. It’s quite unique.
Once infused the spices play a wonderful part! The bubblegum or fruit notes I was smelling before were no longer there but there is a surprising sweetness to the taste and a perfect-for-my-preferences-chai taste to it!
This is a very special chai! I like this! Probably one of my favorite chai’s to date! I downed 3 infusions rather fast – shortly after my initial taste-test…I couldn’t help it…IT was just THAT good!
