Chaider from World Spice Merchants

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush & Rooibos

Where to Buy:  World Spice Merchants

Tisane Description:

Chaider is sure to take off the chill with its original blend of Star Anise, Tellicherry Peppercorns, Cassia Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Green Cardamom Pod and Seed, Honeybush and Rooibos. Serve it steeped as you would tea, or in warmed apple cider.

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

This is a very tasty tisane from World Spice Merchants.  It does indeed have a flavor that is reminiscent of hot spiced cider, all that’s missing is the apple!  Then again, it is a little different from a typical cider.  This has a strong licorice-like flavor to it that gives it a sharpness and a sweet flavor and gives this its own unique flavor.

I’ve had this twice now, and the first time I steeped it, I steeped for ten minutes using a little too much leaf – about 2 heaping teaspoons per 8 ounces, which is about the normal amount for me when I make a chai blend, as I usually plan on diluting it with steamed milk to make a latte.

However, I didn’t make it a latte, so I had a very strong-tasting tisane, and I think it was a bit too strong, especially after tasting my second cup which I steeped for about 8 minutes and used  1 1/2 teaspoons per 8 ounces instead of the 2 heaping teaspoons.  This made a big difference in the taste, and I found the second cup to be much more palatable.

The anise flavor is quite strong with this tisane, and as I am a fan of anise, I don’t have a problem with that.  However, if you’re not a licorice or anise fan, this is not the tisane for you.  The other spices are nicely balanced, and the cinnamon and anise complement each other very well.  But this isn’t too cinnamon-y which is something I often find with cider-like teas or tisanes, and I like that I can taste the other spices here.

I can also taste the rooibos and honeybush, and they bring a nice, woody tone to the background.  Normally, I am not a fan of the woody flavors of these herbs (especially rooibos) but it works here, because of the overall rustic quality of this tisane.

A nice, warming tisane for these chilly early spring evenings.