Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: For more information about this product including how to purchase, visit: Bhakti Chai
Product Description:
Absolutely zero sugar added. Try with honey, agave nectar or stevia.
Taster’s Review:
OK… so basically, this is the same formula as the Original Bhakti Chai that I previously reviewed, except that this does not contain the “touch of evaporated cane juice” that the Original has.
This is every bit as good as the Original too, even without the cane juice! Sure, it tastes different without the sweetener, but, it is still very tasty. I find that the spices come through a little differently without the cane juice, as sweeteners tend to help accent the spices. The ginger still comes through loud and clear though. It’s the other spices that need a little encouragement from the sweetener. But that’s not to say I don’t enjoy this latte without sweetening it!
The first time I tried it, I tried it without the sweetener. The second time I tried it (within a half an hour of the first tasting!) I decided to make myself a chai latte float! I didn’t add sweetener to that either, because I figured the vanilla ice cream was plenty sweet enough without additional sweetening. And I was right.
To make my float, I simply measured out 1 cup of the chai concentrate and heated it, and then I added a scoop of ice cream to the measuring cup, along with enough milk to make 1 cup. When the chai concentrate was good and hot, I added the milk and ice cream. The ice cream melted pretty rapidly, but it still made for a deliciously creamy, vanilla-y, chai treat.
Today, I am sipping this for the first time with a little bit of sweetener added. I used a teaspoon of Turbinado sugar, and this is a delicious chai latte. I love the amount of sweetness with this, not too sweet or cloying. It would also be nice with some raw honey, but I wanted to see how the molasses-y note would work with the chai ingredients. YUM!
Having now tried both the original and unsweetened chai concentrates from Bhakti Chai, I must say that I think I prefer this unsweetened version because it gives me the freedom to determine just how sweet I’d like it to be. Both are absolutely delicious, though. Certainly one of the very best chai concentrates I’ve EVER come across!
PRODUCT REVIEW: Original Bhakti Chai Concentrate from Bhakti Chai
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
For more information about this product including how to purchase, visit: Bhakti Chai
Product Description:
Antioxidant-rich black tea, fresh organic ginger, milled spices and a touch of evaporated cane juice.
Taster’s Review:
Oh. My. Goodness! This is SO good. This is so good, that I am on my second cup within a half an hour!
According to the website, Bhakti Chai uses fresh pressed ginger as opposed to dried ginger. The difference this makes can be tasted! The ginger tastes zippier, zingier, and ginger-y-er!
The black tea base here is a smooth tasting tea, but really, the focus of this chai concentrate is the spices. And, that’s quite alright with me, because this is so delicious that I wouldn’t want to change it. It’s absolutely perfect.
The ginger is the dominate flavor, and I can taste the black pepper supporting the flavor of the ginger. The cardamom and cloves are a bit more subtle but can be tasted, providing that familiar background chai flavor. The fennel is also quite subtle, but, I taste a hint of licorice-like sweetness in the distance.
One spice that seems to be “missing” is cinnamon – which is a common chai ingredient. But, even though it isn’t in this chai, I’m not missing it. Don’t get me wrong, I love cinnamon, but, like I said before, this tastes so good that I wouldn’t want to change it.
The ginger provides a lot of warmth (or “agni”) and offers a very warm, comforting sensation starting at the back of the mouth and permeating its way to the belly. This is a perfect cuppa on those cold winter-y days. Like today!
This original concentrate is sweetened, but, I am not finding it too sweet. Bhakti Chai also offers an unsweetened version, which I will review at a later date.
If you like Chai Latte – this is definitely one you should try. I love this stuff!
PRODUCT REVIEW: Original Matcha Latte from Matcha Mountains
Where to Buy: Where Matcha Mountains Products Are Sold.
Product Description:
Our original mix is ideal for getting you going in the morning or as an afternoon “pick me up”. Our original mix is for people who like the taste of green tea, although a few drops of vanilla extract or syrup is great. Simply mix with hot water and add your favourite frothed milk product. This product has the highest portion of matcha per serving and has a thick creamy texture.
Taster’s Review:
Yum!
I love Matcha and have been drinking it for years (although I will say that in the last year or two I have been drinking more than I had in the previous years), but I must admit that Matcha Latte drinks are a bit new to me, having only tried my first Matcha Latte in the last year or so. But, since that time, I’ve been hooked!
This Matcha Latte mix has a sweetness to it, but it isn’t too sweet nor does it overwhelm the natural flavor of the green tea. I can taste the distinct bittersweet taste of the Matcha, which I really enjoy. This is incredibly creamy and energizing.
I love that this product is organic, and I also like that I can choose just how creamy I want this Matcha Latte to be by choosing my own milk – I can go with skim milk for less creaminess or I can really go for it and use half & half for an out of this world creamy experience. Or if I prefer a non-dairy option, I can use almond milk or rice milk, or even coconut milk!
This is a versatile, delicious treat! This product may be a little difficult to find since Matcha Mountains does not seem to sell it retail, however, it appears that it is sold in various Cafes and it is well worth the effort to find this latte mix because it’s outstanding!
Chad’s Original Black Chai from Chad’s Chai and Tea Company
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Chad’s Chai and Tea Company
Product Description:
This magical blend of tea and aromatic spices will carry you away to exotic lands. Crafted in true India-style,this Masala chai is the best you will find anywhere, at least on this side of the world!
Ingredients: Full leaf Indian Black Tea, Organic Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Clove, Organic Chili Pepper, Organic Ginger, Star Anise, Organic Cardamom.
Taster’s Review:
This is a very nice, even-tempered chai tea. It has a pleasantly warm, spiced tone to it without being too spicy. I did expect it to be a bit spicier than it is, actually, what with the presence of Chili Pepper in the ingredient list. But, the Chili Pepper is more of a background note and does not overwhelm the cup.
That being said, the Chili Pepper flavor does develop as I continue to sip on this tea. At the start, there is very little Chili Pepper flavor, and by mid-cup, the I can feel the Chili Pepper on the sides of my mouth and on my tongue. It is still not at a hot or uncomfortable level, but it is more than I had experienced at the start.
What I like best about this particular chai is the Star Anise. This is not the only chai that I’ve tasted with Star Anise, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I just happen to like the way the Star Anise expresses itself here. It doesn’t have a strong or sharp licorice flavor, it is a sweet hint of licorice that sort of comes and goes throughout the sip. Very nice.
This tea also has a somewhat surprising note of pumpkin that presents itself in the aroma of the dry leaf as well as the brewed liquor. The pumpkin essence is also tasted slightly in the cup, it is not a strong essence, but I can taste the distinct squash notes of pumpkin! It’s surprising but quite good.
The other spices of this blend are very well balanced. I can taste notes of cinnamon, clove, ginger, black pepper and cardamom, but they do not seem to be in competition with each other. They provide a very even base of spice that is warm and inviting. Delicious!
This is a very good masala chai blend. I enjoyed it with a dollop of honey and no milk – but it is equally as good served latte-style with a splash of milk.
Raspberry Earl Grey from Zhena’s Gypsy Tea
Tea Type: Black Tea
Where To Buy: Zhena’s Gypsy Tea
Product Description:
The floral aroma of juicy raspberries is perhaps the perfect complement to the sweet citrus and full-bodied flavor of Earl Grey. This more exceptional version of this classic tea is artisan hand-crafted in small batches and infused with only top-grade essential oils of real fruit to brew a sweet, succulent cup.
Ingredients: Ceylon & Indian Black tea, with Italian Bergamot, Freeze-Dried Raspberries & organic Raspberry flavor.
Tasters Review:
I like Earl Grey’s that think outside the box and this one certainly does!
Raspberry Earl Grey from Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is a medium-dark brown/Black Colored Tea. It has next to no scent once steeped. Prior to the steep it’s very pleasant…both raspberry and Earl Grey aroma circle the cup – waiting to be steeped. I used the bagged version of this tea. It’s an average Black Tea taste with nifty raspberry and orange undertones. I have enjoyed it in the past and still enjoy and like this tea for what it is…pleasant and not pushy.
