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derk drank Chocolate Habanero Chai by Asheville Tea Company

1644 tasting notes

Finally! June is gloomy according to the local sun worshipers. I am not one of them. Bring on the fog! Blanket me in cool mist! Hide me away from the world below. Cast away the allergies and asthma. Christmas in June! Chai that nearly made Martin cry! I’m so sorry this tea burned you :( It’s funny how perceptions of spice differ. I’m like, “Where’s the fire?” Same with my boyfriend. We can both feel it, but it’s merely a tickly tingle.

This is a sultry and sensuous cup that warms and invigorates just enough to get me moving on these foggy mornings. It’s like a less abrasive version of August Uncommon’s Painted Desert but with a little ginger to give it more of a traditional chai feeling rather than Mexican hot chocolate. Lighter, not as heavy feeling as Painted Desert but still plenty of flavor with none of the added flavorings. The sachet can be left in the cup indefinitely with no ill effect. This box is moving fast! I would order again if it weren’t so expensive.

Side note: I want to try Ketlee’s Bhut Jolokia Masala Chai.

Flavors: Chili, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Ginger, Smooth, Spicy, Tea

Preparation

205 °F / 96 °C 8 min or more 10 OZ / 300 ML

I Like This

10 likes

2 comments

Martin Bednář
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Worry not, I still hope that bag was highly concentrated Habanero :)

gmathis
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Can you mail us a bottle of fog, please?

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Comments

Martin Bednář
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Worry not, I still hope that bag was highly concentrated Habanero :)

gmathis
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Can you mail us a bottle of fog, please?

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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. Yet I persist.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, and Nepal. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possesses off flavor/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s puerh, I likely think it needs more age.

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