Indian Masala Chai from Storehouse Teas. . . .

This black tea is visually stunning! Blended with traditional Indian Masala spices in their whole form, you can see the cinnamon, cardamom, and clove within this blend. In addition to being able to see the spices used to create this blend, you can immediately smell the clove and cardamom as you open the package. It’s recommended to brew this for approximately 5 minutes, and it does brew dark – even for a black tea.

On the palate, this tea has a spicy aftertaste that I would almost describe as peppery. I drank mine hot without sugar or milk, but I think this would be a beautiful blend for an iced Chai tea latte!

Regardless of your opinion about this specific blend, I do encourage you to check out Storehouse Teas. They provide organic, fair-trade teas and assist both refugees and small farmers find employment. Their business model and theory is wonderful, and their teas are priced for everyday enjoyment. With such a large selection, I’m sure you can find something that is perfect for your favorite cuppa.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Black/Chai
Where to Buy:  Storehouse Tea
Description

A robust and classic full flavored black tea blended with traditional whole Indian Masala spices, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and clove, this tea is bold and stimulating. Masala Chai should be brewed strong and served sweet with milk when hot or pour it over ice as a chilled Chai tea latte.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Organic Energy Chai from Hampstead Tea. . . .

“Organic Energy Chai” by Hampstead Tea was originally “BIOCHAI” (all caps). The original bag (which I am sampling here) touted the ingredient “biodynamic black tea leaves.”

They’ve since changed their branding to a more delicate branding scheme that involves a white background and no more claims of things being “biodynamic.” Which is sort of a relief, because when I see “BIOCHAI” or “biodynamic,” I ironically don’t think of something being biological at all. I think about things that are biologically enhanced, like a Terminator/Borg situation. Like this tea got taken over by nanobots.

This delicate, sweet tea doesn’t seem like it’s going to “harness your inner energy and bring the diva out in you!” I actually find this to be more soothing than HYPE. It’s just a tasty blend that is helping nudge me into wakefulness on this cloudy Monday.

Speaking of which, I definitely have “a case of the Mondays” today. I went to the gym, but all of my usual companions slept through it, which was lonely. So I watched YouTube videos of people painting while walking slowly on an incline on the treadmill. It was the saddest workout you’ve ever seen.

Which is not to say my workouts are usually zesty, but at least if people I know are there, I half-ass it instead of no-ass it.

This lackadaisical attitude toward fitness means I am the slowest, pant-iest drag on the group’s speed of all time.

This is why I am the group’s Resident Black Tea Drinker. It’s the only thing that will nudge me into the next gear. I’d just rather be drinking tea than hustling.

I’m sure you gals understand.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Black
Where to Buy:  Hampstead Tea
Description

Chai comes from India where Darjeeling Black Tea is blended with exotic herbs and spices to make luxurious,aromatic drink. Let it harnessIngredients:Black Tea, Ginger, Lemongrass, Peppercorns, Cardamom seeds and Cloves

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!