Saigon Chai (Organic)

I know I go through this all the time, but I have found the Saigon Chai sweet spot! I had another 50 g tucked away somewhere and brewed a cup today. Only 2 or 3 minutes to steep and I shook out the dust beforehand. I find this batch has fuller leaf which means less bitterness off the bat. I added a tiny bit (maybe 1/8 tsp) of sugar to my Perfect Tea Mug, and it’s great. For now. Historically, it gets worse as it cools, but I’m hoping this cup holds up better. Raising the rating, for now. Really need to do a proper stovetop chai with this sometime!

This tea had an ‘accident’ this morning and ended up down the drain. The flavoring brings it over the top to that sickly sweet candy place.

I infinitely prefer chai that relies on the spices and herbs for flavour.

Tea 7 in my chai quest. I was expecting this to be cinnamon heavy. I think Davids usually are. This one isn’t really that bad, it’s peppery and spicy – but not really as “chai” as I would like it.
I still have 3 to try tomorrow, this one falls in just as average.

This is one I’ve been wanting to try, so I grabbed it on my recent order.

It’s a decent chai, although not my favorite. It does remind me of fall, as most good chais do. And it’s very cinnamon-y, which is a nice enhancement to chai. I love the pink peppercorns – a fave of mine. There’s just something missing with it that makes it not as promising as others. I can’t put my finger on what though.

Maybe I’m just being a chai snob. I’ll keep at it, maybe this one will get better. I’m not saying it’s terrible – it’s still a great wake-up tea!

Here is another one I’m just now trying from TastyBrew’s awesome package. thanks again! I almost had the NecessiTeas chai that TastyBrew also sent me, but I remembered I didn’t try this one yet. I used two teaspoons since looking at the dry leaves, it’s mostly spices (sounds good to me!) After a few minute steep, the flavor is unique somehow. I guess many chai blends don’t have peppercorn, which to me seems to add a sweet flavor. Not so much here though, unless I’m confusing the cinnamon for the super sweet type (think Harney’s Hot Cinnamon Sunset!) There is also some ginger, cloves and cardamom. The black tea listed in the description seems to be assam, but it didn’t taste like an assam to me. A bit mild. But since the spices are so nice, I don’t mind that the black tea isn’t fantastic. The second steep didn’t taste the same, even with a seven minute steep time.. it seemed to lose everything that made the first cup unique. Overall, a unique flavored chai somehow, so I’m happy to have a few more teaspoons in my collection!

I love the visual mix of ingredients – the little peppercorns are awesome!
Brewed up this smells incredibly of cinnamon. Full disclosure: I am not a cinnamon person.
Flavor-wise this was fairly thin and somewhat cinnamon heavy. I ended up adding milk and sugar which tempered the cinnamon and actually made it taste more interesting.
Not the best chai I’ve ever had (I’m looking at you, Thai Chai!), but still drinkable.

It’s like the Coco Chai Rooibos except without the light rooibos and the creamy coconut. The latter of the two is the deal breaker. Also, no cloves.

The main spice is cinnamon, and good cinnamon at that. Ginger is the second main flavour I detect. Those two items create a nice spicy sweet profile. I’ve never had Assam so I cannot pick it out too well in this blend.

All in all, not bad. Although, I’m not sure if this will ever be my go to chai. Cinnamon isn’t usually my favourite spice and I’d rather it share center stage with something else.

It’s delicious when steeped partially in hot milk (as are all good chais).

I was disappointed by this yesterday, and then I was disappointed that I was disappointed. I made this in my little tea for one set, and before I added the hot water, I added a bit of soy milk and a touch of sugar. I only let it steep 2 minutes, as is my habit with black teas. It turned out weak. I was so, so sad! I actually didn’t finish drinking it.

I have enough for a couple cups left, but if it doesn’t improve its performance soon, this one many not be a rebuy.

1 TB for 450mL water, bare.

Got a sample in a recent order …

even better than I remembered. Nice cinnamon heat (but not cinnamon candy taste), some lovely sharpness, and mellow Assam. Doesn’t forgive a long steep, so time this one carefully. I like it at max 4 minutes for plain sipping. It might benefit form 5 minutes if you add milk. Upping my rating.

It’s my third sipdown today! Good thing too because my Verdant order just shipped! I’m so excited! (Also, I better start earning more points again. I’ll probably want another order for the fall.)

This tea is ok. Not great. Nothing to write about. :P