Firebird Chai by Wendigo

by Sensiblyscript

While sniffing this tea before steeping (what? Don’t tell me I’m the only one who does this) I can definitely pick up a big whiff of ginger in the dry leaves. The leaves are better-looking than average for chai; they also have more of a presence in the blend (as far as fragrance and so on) than some do. I also observed lots of chunks of other stuff (spices?) in there with the tea leaves. The curls of dried ginger were the most noticeable of these. (And also were quite impressive. Don’t most chais just have minced ginger or something? These curls were really cool-looking.)

When steeping, I used a couple of generous spoonfuls for my latte mug and hot water that I poured out just after boiling. I may have been a bit over-lavish with the leaves compared to what the steeping instructions said, but I was feeling like drinking a strong chai. I steeped it four minutes before removing the leaves. The rehydrated pods (I think that’s the cardamom?) and curls of ginger were much more obvious in the tea leaves now. The brewed tea turned out a strongish darkish brown (but not the darkest ever).
Now that the finished product is in hand, I can actually smell the black tea along with the spices. This isn’t always the case with chai, so I appreciated it. Ginger seems the predominant spice (rather than cinnamon) upon first sip. Each sip has a sweet, smooth taste (despite not having any sugar in it yet) and a warming effect.
Certainly it’s exotic as well as pleasant and comforting, with all that ginger and cardamom, and manages to carve a unique flavor profile for itself rather than just being a run-of-the-mill “chai” flavor. I’m unsure where the sweetness is coming from–surely not the ginger or the cinnamon– but I suppose it could be from the black tea itself if it’s as high-quality as it seems.
Overall I’d say this tea is lively, warming, and full and rich without  being cliche. It offers a bright flavor palette that’s not too spicy to enjoy. It’s great with milk and sugar too; they “muffle” the spices a bit, as expected, and enhance the richness of the black tea flavor.

 

Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Wendigo Tea
wendigo-teaDescription

FireBird

I, the glorious FireBird, am an imposing beast with the exotic complexity to guide you through a wild adventure of savory, sweet, spicy, and back again. Brace yourself if you think you are ready to experience the wonder of FireBird. I am a Spicy Masala Chai that leaves scorched remnants of other Chai teas far below my ferocious wings.
I am born of the meanest Indian Estate black tea available, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper & all spice. Where other Chai teas expect you to add milk and heaps of sweetener to balance the bitter taste of inferior ingredients, I stand alone as a unique masterpiece.
My elevated nature is most notable from the refusal of being satisfied with anything but the very best and strongest tasting Premium Indian Estate Tea available. This compliments the spices and will not dare be buried under them, but earthy decadence soaring ahead for the lingering trail of spice and flavor following on your pallet.
Feel the Burn. Love the taste.

 

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Sensiblyscript

Hi! My name is Tabitha and I'm an uprooted PNW native living in the South with my husband and my cocker spaniel. My favorite teas are usually dark and strong and go well with milk and sugar. I like to combine tea-drinking with all of my favorite activities, such as listening to music, reading YA fiction, knitting, and writing blog and website content for businesses. Because I'm a well-rounded person, I also have other interests, such as wearing mismatched socks and pretending to be ambidextrous.

This post was posted in Black Tea, Wendigo Tea Co

Organic Masala Chai from Hope and Glory

by Sensiblyscript

We’ve been having some tropical weather lately, so today was much cooler and rainier than usual for this time of year. I do appreciate cool weather when I can get it, especially because after a few days/weeks/months of summer I get tired of not being able to have any hot tea after 8AM without overheating and getting a migraine. So to celebrate the great rainy weather, I decided to have a big mug of milky chai right in the middle of the day; and fortunately for me, I was lucky enough to have a sample of Hope & Glory’s organic masala chai on hand!

The back of the sample packet said to simmer the tea with milk and water for 5-10 minutes, so that’s what I did. (I know this means my review won’t be much use to people who can’t drink milk, and I apologize. I once tried to make my lactose-intolerant brother a chai latte but I was unprepared to adapt to using soymilk and to make a long story short, he probably still dislikes spiced chai. But I digress.) I then strained it into my tall latte mug and added a few teaspoons of sugar and a little cream.

After taking a few sips I concluded that it’s everything you could hope for in a chai. The spice blend is harmonious and contrasts well with the creaminess of the milk, just as it should. It blends well enough that no one spice flavor jumps out at me, which is great. Some chais try to make up for any deficiencies with an overwhelming amount of cinnamon (I mean, cinnamon is great, but so are the other spices!), so I’m glad this one is so well-balanced. They’re strong spices too, and of course I mean that in the best way. There’s a warmth that lingers after each sip, past the milky aftertaste, until I give in and take another sip. Fortunately, the next sip is just as amazing, so the cycle of happiness tends to self-perpetuate and everything is great (until you run out of tea!).
Overall, I find this tea to be unequivocally awesome and would gladly drink any amount of it. Also, being organic and fair-trade, it naturally has an ecological advantage (as well as a sociological advantage and a health advantage) over other similar teas.

 

Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Hope and Glory

login-logo_sans-sunDescription

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!

Sensiblyscript

Hi! My name is Tabitha and I'm an uprooted PNW native living in the South with my husband and my cocker spaniel. My favorite teas are usually dark and strong and go well with milk and sugar. I like to combine tea-drinking with all of my favorite activities, such as listening to music, reading YA fiction, knitting, and writing blog and website content for businesses. Because I'm a well-rounded person, I also have other interests, such as wearing mismatched socks and pretending to be ambidextrous.

This post was posted in Black Tea, Hope and Glory

Rajah Collection Organic Masala Chai from Hope & Glory

by teaequalsbliss

I have to say I have being having so much fun going thru the Hope & Glory Shipment that was sent and Rajah Collection Organic Masala Chai from Hope & Glory is one of those teas that I am VERY MUCH enjoying thus far!

I LOVE the packaging!  It goes along with their brand.  It’s colorful and clean.  The packaging also explains a lot with very little wordage.  It’s eye-catching and easy to comprehend while on-the-go!  On the back of the package I am looking at for the Rajah Collection Organic Masala Chai from Hope & Glory offering I noticed the ingredient breakdown and ratio.

The leaf grade of the Rajah Collection Organic Masala Chai from Hope & Glory is Orthodox Leaf – FBOP.  This blend of ingredients are 70% Organic Ceylon Black Tea, 30% fresh blend of organic spices which are made up of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper.

I really appreciate the fact that Hope & Glory used 70% for the ratio of black tea base to the 30% chai spices.  The chai spices are perfectly done to my own personal liking.  The spices are not over powering nor are they too weak – they are JUST RIGHT!  Rajah Collection Organic Masala Chai from Hope & Glory is quite thrilling and certainly a tea I will be sharing with MANY.

 

 

Caddie-Small-beige-800-180x180Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Chai (Black Tea Base)
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!

teaequalsbliss

Co-Founder/Co-Creator of Sororitea Sisters at Sororitea Sisters Jennifer (TeaEqualsBliss) is in her upper 30s and lives in the eastern snowbelt area of the US with her husband, 3 dogs, and cat (however the number of furkids can change at anytime as she LOVES providing a forever home for many shelter animals. Her several interests include music, movies, veganism, sports, traveling, collecting Baseball Cards and Unicorns, Radio, Computers, Crafting, and of course…TEA. She started drinking tea at the tender age of 3 thanks to her Grandmother and her love for tea has gotten stronger with each year! In addition to being a co-founder/co-creator of Sororitea Sisters - her main site is MyBlissfulJourney.com. Find out more about Jennifer on MyBlissfulJourney.com.

This post was posted in Black Tea, Chai, Hope and Glory, Uncategorized

#FanaticFriday: Stargate(SG1) Dr Daniel Jackson from Adagio Fandom Signature Blends

by teaequalsbliss

I’ve been going thru Stargate withdrawals and just might have to go back and re-watch all of them AGAIN from the beginning until then I can reminisce  with this tea…Stargate(SG1) Dr Daniel Jackson from Adagio Fandom Signature Blends.  Won’t you join us in celebrating #FanaticFriday: Stargate(SG1) Dr Daniel Jackson from Adagio Fandom Signature Blends is the tea I have chose for the occasion.  Dr Daniel Jackson was one of my favorite characters!

This Stargate(SG1) Dr Daniel Jackson from Adagio Fandom Signature Blends is something I have had in my personal stash for a while and just noticed recently that it is one of the signature adagio blends from Jeffrey McWhirter.  The tea gods must have been talking to me because Woodie (Jeffrey’s partner) and I have been chatting about possibly featuring some of their signature blends in the near future!  Heck YES!  Especially if Stargate(SG1) Dr Daniel Jackson from Adagio Fandom Signature Blends is any hint of what is to come!

Stargate(SG1) Dr Daniel Jackson from Adagio Fandom Signature Blends infuses to a very dark brown which I LOVE.  The aroma is very chai-like with the addition of cocoa nibs, cocoa nibs, and more cocoa nibs!  The flavor is an enhanced chai taste on tongue with your standard chai flavors paired with slightly sweet, creamy, and cocoa hints.  Okay…there are more than just HINTS of cocoa there is quite a bit and I think that is pair of why this blend shines!

Stargate(SG1) Dr Daniel Jackson from Adagio Fandom Signature Blends is much like the character I adore on the show… strong, sensitive, geeky, smart, and intriguing!

Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Chai/Black Tea
Where to Buy: Adagio

downloadDescription:

ingredients & lore- blended with black tea, cloves, ginger root, cardamom, natural vanilla flavor, natural creme flavor, natural cinnamon flavor, cinnamon bark, teas: vanilla, cream, masala chai, accented with cocoa nibs, cocoa nibs and cocoa nibs

This is for entertainment only. I have no affiliation with the Stargate: TV-Movies brand etc.  steep at 212° for 4 mins

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

teaequalsbliss

Co-Founder/Co-Creator of Sororitea Sisters at Sororitea Sisters Jennifer (TeaEqualsBliss) is in her upper 30s and lives in the eastern snowbelt area of the US with her husband, 3 dogs, and cat (however the number of furkids can change at anytime as she LOVES providing a forever home for many shelter animals. Her several interests include music, movies, veganism, sports, traveling, collecting Baseball Cards and Unicorns, Radio, Computers, Crafting, and of course…TEA. She started drinking tea at the tender age of 3 thanks to her Grandmother and her love for tea has gotten stronger with each year! In addition to being a co-founder/co-creator of Sororitea Sisters - her main site is MyBlissfulJourney.com. Find out more about Jennifer on MyBlissfulJourney.com.

This post was posted in Adagio Teas, Black Tea, Chai

Pumpkin Spice Chai from The Tea Spot

by teaequalsbliss

pumpkin-spice-chai-teaTea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black Tea (Chai Tea)

Where to Buy: The Tea Spot

Tea Description:

Our seasonal Pumpkin Spice Chai may soon become your favorite tea to look forward to each Fall and Winter! This chai blend boasts a perfectly-balanced full leaf Assam black tea base with cinnamon, clove, cardamom, allspice, and pumpkin flavor to get you warmed up for Fall. This tea makes an amazing pumpkin latte with the simple addition of steamed milk. This seasonal treat will have you jumping in piles of rainbow-colored leaves in no time!

Features:

  • Premium pumpkin spice tea
  • Black tea origins: Assam, India
  • 1 LB Bulk = $0.16 / Serving
  • Gluten-free & Sugar-free

Ingredients: black tea, ginger root, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, black pepper, pumpkin flavoring

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

It’s been too long since my last REALLY GREAT Pumpkin Chai and this Pumpkin Spice Chai from The Tea Spot is just what I was looking for!  Sure the ingredients include black tea, ginger root, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, black pepper, pumpkin flavoring…but it’s much more than that.  The flavors meshed well together.  Everything was powerful but nothing overpowered anything else.  The pumpkin flavoring was outstanding!  I make special note of this because I have had some really questionable pumpkin flavors in tea over the years but this was among the best I have had!

Pumpkin Spice Chai from The Tea Spot provided me with a complete tea experience from beginning to end!  From the moment I opened the bag until long after my last sip!  It smelled wonderful, it tasted exceptional, the quality of everything was top notch, and when I was done with my last sip I craved more!  Needless to say Pumpkin Spice Chai from The Tea Spot didn’t last long in my tea stash!

 

teaequalsbliss

Co-Founder/Co-Creator of Sororitea Sisters at Sororitea Sisters Jennifer (TeaEqualsBliss) is in her upper 30s and lives in the eastern snowbelt area of the US with her husband, 3 dogs, and cat (however the number of furkids can change at anytime as she LOVES providing a forever home for many shelter animals. Her several interests include music, movies, veganism, sports, traveling, collecting Baseball Cards and Unicorns, Radio, Computers, Crafting, and of course…TEA. She started drinking tea at the tender age of 3 thanks to her Grandmother and her love for tea has gotten stronger with each year! In addition to being a co-founder/co-creator of Sororitea Sisters - her main site is MyBlissfulJourney.com. Find out more about Jennifer on MyBlissfulJourney.com.

This post was posted in Black Tea, Chai, Tea Company, The Tea Spot