Vanilla Mint Chai from Rishi Tea

VanillaMintChaiTea Information:

Leaf Type:  Pu-erh

Where to Buy: Rishi Tea

Tea Description:

Creamy, rich textured and inviting, this pu-erh based chai is unlike any other. Its delicate balance of silky and luscious vanilla bean, bright and soothing peppermint and sweet cinnamon transform this chai into something magical.

Tasting Notes: Decadent vanilla bean and sweet Saigon Cinnamon complement smooth, rich Pu-erh tea

Ingredients: Organic and Fair Trade Certified™ pu-erh tea, organic peppermint, organic cinnamon, organic vanilla bean, organic licorice root.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

I have never had Rishi teas (at least not that I could remember) before nor have I had a lot of Pu-erh.  So when I saw this the other day while I was online, I thought I’d give it a whirl.

Steeped this one up per the instructions on the box.  2 tbsp with 1 cup  of boiling water on my stove top.  Brought the mixture to a boil and then added a cup of almond milk and brought the mixture up to a simmer.  Once I was at that point I removed the pot from the heat and let the tea do its thing and steeped for 3 minutes.  After I steeped it for 3 minutes, I added some honey to my mug and strained the tea into the mug.  Seems like a  lot of steps for a  simple cup of tea but this is anything but a simple cup of tea.

This chai mixture has pu-erh instead of black tea or green.  I can’t say I’ve ever had a pu-erh chai blend before.  I am a newbie when it comes to pu-erh so please bare with me.

First sip and I was immediately greeted with this beautiful blend of earth tones and sweet cinnamon spices. Sweet and savory at the same time.  The vanilla just added to the sweetness/creaminess factor and the almond milk brought out more of the earthiness and gave the tea a well rounded balance.    The mint gave the tea a refreshing after taste.  It was very light and faint.  I could barely pick it up.

I think I finished the cup in about 2 minutes flat.  I really enjoyed this.  My first voyage into pu-erh chai was a success.  I think I may have to check out some pu-erh blends now.