India Spice Chai

So I’m sitting here watching some cartoons on Netflix, and I decide to try this. I just bought it today. I was going to make four different cups, to try and find a way I like it. But only after one cup, I’ve decided that I will not buy this tea again. I’ll finish this box, and be done. It’s bitter, and not strong enough. I let it steep for about 5 and half minuets, the length of time I usually steep any tea. It does however have a wonderful aroma, and would taste a little better w/o the after taste, and little less cinnamon. Not very impressed, I’m sad to say.

I love Chai tea so on my last order of Keurig k-cups, I figured I’d add in a nice Chai for those mornings I’m a bit rushed. When I opened the shipping box, I felt a little twinge of guilt – tea in a Keurig. Oh boy.

I tried it right away and I was disappointed. Bitter and flavorless – how on earth do you do that to a Chai? HOW?

Now, I’ve got a whole box of k-cups I need to do something with, right? So the next one I tried, I mixed in a healthy dose of International Delights French Vanilla and crossed my fingers.

I’ve never, ever added International Delights to any tea prior to this experiment. I never thought I would. Seriously.

The tea was saved. Definitely drinkable, which also raised the rating of the tea significantly.

I will not be buying this tea again.

First I tried this chai on its own – the flavor profile didn’t seem right. Then I added some honey to find the sweet balance – it still wasn’t that great. When I mixed it with Italian Sweet Creme creamer and had it as a latte, it was okay. However, the flavor profile has a strong pepper taste – not the spice I want to be the strongest in my chai mix.

This is my idea of a nice cup of chai: a well-rounded group of warm flavors, all interestingly competing for notice, but none sticking out to the detriment of the entire blend. The tasters at CS did a terrific job blending all these flavor notes together. There’s the warmth of the cinnamon and cardamon piqued with a bit of star anise. There’s a subtle bit of licorice taste, though that’s probably from the star anise. The black pepper fills out the background quietly. I blend a bag or two of my other chai blends with it, so this one can mellow it all out together.
Do I recommend this tea? Absolutely!

Certainly has spices and caffeine, does it take the way my mom’s does? No, but I also didn’t expect it to. I may have to try this one again with milk and sugar, made the way it traditionally is. The spices do have a nice kick though, which was better than I expected and it smells heavenly.

I loved this blend of spices. The cinnamon and richness was just want I was craving. I added a small pack of sugar and had a sweet treat.

Chai is probably my favorite tea. I have tried many and often disappointed. That said, I am highly surprised by the negative reviews on pre bagged tea. The flavors are strong and clear. Included are star anise and vanilla which I look for in Chai. I steep it for 5-7 minutes and usually drink it straight, occasionally with a splash of unsweetened almond milk. I don’t detect any bitter flavor either way. Very enjoyable.

Prep: Hot water from hot water spigot (probably 180-190* F or so)
It tastes like a cookie. a really weird cookie. Reminds me of Graham crackers. or some cheap ginger snap cookies that have a bit of cinnamon in them. It maybe the Chicory or the vanilla, but for now I am going to say it is the chicory that is throwing the flavor off.
I have a whole box that I received for Christmas. It may go up for swap soon.

I picked this up at the supermarket just to try it. I’ve been drinking it at work so far and have not been overly impressed. It’s ok, but I would rather spend my time drinking a better tea.

Seriously sad I wasted money on this after reading an oh so heavenly review on another blog.
Will stick to Stash double spice chai.
Celestial’s chai India Spice, way to bleh for me.