It’s hard to beat the original chai blend from Teavana (White Ayurvedic Chai/Samurai Chat Mate), and I know chais! I’ve hunted for the best one for years, and still think that is the best. I love a deep flavor and the spicy sass of that blend.
This one comes close, but it’s just not there. I can’t figure out why. The oolong adds an interesting edge to the samurai chai, makes it sharper, more pronounced. I can taste the tea leaves more in this version than in the other, which also tastes more like an autumn tea, and this is more winter-y. It’s probably the nutmeg, which I love, but associate with Christmas and calories.
The dry leaves smell wonderful and while steeping the aroma is knee-weakening.
OK, further into the cuppa, I found more of that chai flavor I love. Maybe this one will grow more on me.
I can also steep the other blend for the length of the cuppa so the final drops are fragrant and spicy and awesome. Can’t really do that with an oolong, unless you like bitter teas. ;)
But paying almost $20 for four ounces isn’t always in my budget.
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I don’t know why they do large combos like that. It might almost be cheaper to buy them separate and then combine them…
I have thought of that! Sometimes it is, but I think they are on to that wallet-friendly solution. I even try to find the teas elsewhere as a major “screw you, Teavana” – but sometimes that doesn’t work either!
ahaha, yeah same here. Teavana tends to be polarized with me.
I don’t know why they do large combos like that. It might almost be cheaper to buy them separate and then combine them…
I have thought of that! Sometimes it is, but I think they are on to that wallet-friendly solution. I even try to find the teas elsewhere as a major “screw you, Teavana” – but sometimes that doesn’t work either!
ahaha, yeah same here. Teavana tends to be polarized with me.