I had a sample of this at my desk from my last DT order, so I thought today would be a nice time to try it, since I was feeling spicy chai-ish today. Upon opening the package, the dry leaf smells like cinnamon. Like…all cinnamon. After steeping, the liquor smells like, surprise, cinnamon. BOOM! CINNAMON!!
The prospect was not thrilling me. I love a touch of cinnamon in baked goods and spiced drinks, but I’m not an enormous fan, so I prefer it to be a supporting actor rather than a co-star or main attraction. This did not bode well for the future of Chai Guarana! In addition, I don’t generally enjoy chai steeped the same way as all other teas and tisanes. I grew up in some degree of Indian culture (thanks, hippie parents!) and definitely got accustomed to chai cooked in a pan with milk and a touch of honey. Today, I only have on hand boiled water and little milkers in the office fridge. But I was in the mood for chai. What can you do? Just deal.
I got distracted talking to a co-worker (about tea) and ended up WAY oversteeping this. Whoops. I don’t tend to expect that to be a problem with chai, since I do like it cooked in a pot, but still…hmm… I’m not in fine form this morning.
Contrary to my assumption, there is not nearly as much cinnamon in the mouth as you might think. My first impression was that it was kind of medicinal tasting. This, I then ascribe to the presence of the liquorice flavour that I associate with herbal throat remedies. I like the taste, but it makes me feel a bit like I’m treating a cold, heh. There is ample cinnamon flavour, to be sure, but it takes a bit of a second seat to the ginger. Anise rolls around through the liquid and ends up being the dominant aftertaste. I’m missing clove and cardamom, here, because I really love those tastes in chai.
Overall, this is a nice, flavourful tea, but I wouldn’t stock it. I might send some to my mum, though, because I think this is right up her alley.
Flavors: Anise, Cinnamon, Ginger, Licorice, Medicinal, Spices
