Frank’s black teas are usually best at 2.5 minute infusions. But I think this one could have gone a little longer. It’s pretty calm for a chai. Maybe I didn’t grab enough spices from the pouch. I added some Truvia and now it’s more to my liking. The sweetness brings out a creaminess in the base that is quite yummy. It doesn’t seem to need milk at all. It could use a lot more spice though. This is like the calm, meditative, little sister of Chai tea. It’s similar but different. Much calmer, quieter, and sweeter (or at least sweeter now that I’ve added Truvia).
I went back to my tealog and read my review on 52teas’ other Pumpkin Chai. I seemed to enjoy that one better with a longer infusion, so I’ll definitely try that with this one too. I didn’t find that chai very spicy either and it did have a nice creaminess. I guess this one is pretty similar. In fact, the only difference might be the base. This is made with Pettaiagala Extra Long Leaf OP. The older chai was made with Premium Assam.
Anyway, I do like it; it’s just not what I expected. If I think of this as a creamy, slightly spiced tea, then I really like it a lot. Second infusion for 6 minutes was just as delicious. A yummy treat! I will enjoy my two pouches of this. Although I have to say that 0.5 oz of this one doesn’t go far!
Flavors: Creamy, Spices
