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!

Winter Spice Tea from Sunshine Cottage. . . .

YUM! I literally said that out loud the first time I sipped on Winter Spice Tea from Sunshine Cottage. My second reaction was the same as the first…YUM!

Upon opening the package I was assuming this would be comparable to a chai but it was much more thought out than that.

Orange, cranberry, cinnamon and cloves all add flavor to this finger warming, nose thawing winter spice blend are Joan’s words – from Sunshine Cottage – not mine but I would totally claim them as my own if I could because I totally agree with them!

Sunshine Cottage states on their Etsy Shop that Winter Spice Tea is full of all the delights of the season, hold a steaming cup of this tea, breath in deeply and relax, you’ll be filled with the spirit of the season – of course, adding a big splash of brandy or rum to your cup will lift your spirits even quicker!

I’ll have to ask Sororitea Sister-CuppaGeek- if she has tried this yet! I know she went thru a phase of mixing tea with ‘adult beverages’ for an extra special tea steeping experience!

Regardless I am totally LOVING this straight-up…as-is…I wouldn’t change a thing!

Sure – you can taste the Cinnamon up against the medium strength black tea base and it’s scrumptious and warming. But the real gems of this blend of flavors are the cranberry and orange duo! Both are FAB!

Even tho this is a Winter Spice Tea – I wouldn’t mind it any time of the year! The flavor and aroma are wonderful! I’m a fan, indeedy!


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Black Tea
Where to Buy:  Sunshine Cottage
Description

Orange, cranberry, cinnamon and cloves all add flavor to this finger warming, nose thawing winter spice blend. Full of all the delights of the season, hold a steaming cup of this tea, breath in deeply and relax, you’ll be filled with the spirit of the season – of course, adding a big splash of brandy or rum to your cup will lift your spirits even quicker!

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Petal To The Metal from Ruby Lion. . . .

We always used to joke with my sister that she was the one in the family who ‘put the pedal to the metal’ or ‘had a lead foot’ because she enjoyed being the little speed demon on the highway. Sorry “Spud” if you are reading this! HEY! At least it’s not as bad as the time I announced on the radio that you could eat Twizzlers with your feet! Anyhow…that’s my little ‘tea word association’ with the tea of the moment I will be reviewing now Petal to the Metal from Ruby Lion Tea.

Ruby Lion is a newer tea company from what I have seen and their Petal To The Metal is my first taste of their product. Let me tell you it was a good first impression!

The loose leaf mixture was mostly (or completely) tighter winded black tea with hefty rose buds from what I could see. The black tea was of medium strength and had a nice even taste. It really didn’t take you for a wild ride or anything. The rose buds were marvelous! They certainly didn’t skimp on those! They were of top quality and the colors present in the dried petals were beautiful! This all contributed to the aroma and flavor of the mighty flower. It was delightfully floral.

This being my first encounter with Ruby Lion I have to say I’m intrigued and hope I have try more of the teas in the near future. This was a tasty one! I wish the very best as they continue to construct their website and presence in the tea world!


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Black Tea
Where to Buy:  Ruby Lion
Description

We’ve all had our fair share of floral, Rose herbal Teas. This time, Rose is taking a back seat as the scent and taste of freshly peeled cardamom pods infuse this Black Tea with a nostalgic, grounding flavor profile.

We’re all complicated people, so we’ve invented a drink for the complex soul.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!