The story of my life seems to be having favorite teas discontinued and spending years searching for replacements. Does anyone else relate? Years ago, TeaSource in Minneapolis had a chai blend they called “Reena’s Chai” that was probably one of the top 10 teas I’ve ever had. From what I recall, it was heavier on the nutmeg than most chai blends I’ve tried and just seemed to hit the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Since then, I’ve tried dozens of chai blends from all my favorite tea companies trying to find a suitable replacement. Fava has an herbal chai that I LOVE (their Roasted Almond Chai, if you’re curious) so I decided to give this more traditional blend a shot. It was…fine. Pretty much the basic spice blend I would expect from a Masala Chai on a CTC base. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, but also nothing to make it special or memorable in any way. The search continues!
Flavors: Anise, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Spices
I remember Reena’s Chai! I only ever had a sampler of it, though. I think other than Golden Mao Feng (and I still plan to try to get Tao of Tea’s version some day) I really miss TeaSource’s Toasted Maple Green, a maple-flavored houjicha that they only had for a very short time. Flavored houjicha is so rare, and that one was so good!
Aww, Golden Mao Feng is another one I miss SO MUCH! I really enjoyed the Toasted Maple Green as well. I think The London Tea Room’s Maple Walnut Sencha has a similar flavor profile, but if the houjicha base was your favorite aspect of that one, the sencha may not suit you.