Debonair Tea Company

Although I love a classic masala chai, I still get over excited when I see a unique blend with ingredients I love. Rose notes have been on the increase in my repertoire of teas I find myself going back to. Much like a gulab jamun, this blend has a significant rose flavour. The dry, powdery, notes combine with the long cooling finish of lavender, to make this blend strangely exotic.

One sip… that’s all it took for me to know that me and this chai would not be getting along. Unfortunately, my tender little tongue is incompatible with chili, and the kick of zingy heat in this blend was too much for me to handle. My one sip pushed me way out of my comfort zone and forced me to pass my cup off to my chili-loving, heat-seeking husband. Although not a tea fan, he gulped down the cup and then, in an Oliver-esque fashion, asked for more. Needless to say, the packet is gone! He seems to think this provides “just a tickle” of heat, but I choked, spluttered and fanned my mouth. Take note of our vastly different opinions before you decide to try this.

Deffo not for me, but would recommend it to any chilli lover :)

A more traditional chai blend. There’s little else better than the sweet smell of chai spices in winter, and this is a blend with a scent that hits the spot! Although Debonair suggest serving this with milk, I found it wasn’t too bitter without, and allowed the spices to be tasted more clearly. Hello, warming notes of ginger.

www.tastethetea.co.uk

This blend is gorgeous, doting candy like colours and an almond smell from the dry leaf, making the tea have a very festive Nutcracker feel to it. Steep at 100°C for a strong bitter tea, full of spices and a citrus hint, perfect for taking with milk. Steep at a lower temperature to produce a light fragrant tea with pirouettes of floral, citrus and powdered fruity notes.

Full review at www.tastethetea.co.uk

Lovers Leap Ceylon is completely flexible to personal preference. For black tea, I lean towards a weaker brew to avoid the accompaniment of heavy flavours. Therefore, I preferred this Ceylon when brewed for no longer than two minutes. This served to create a light flavour mixed with with notes of copper and fruit. However, if your preference is for something a little stronger, brew for the recommended time of 3-5 minutes to create a deep, strong and powerful tea with a lightly citric note and obviously bitter flavour. The finish is short, but definitely has a hint of sweet, that tastes like a mixture of plum and caramel. This tea doesn’t double steep well, so stock up on your tea leaves for this one!