So I can get through all the review of about 30+ teas I have tried last year, but not reviewed, I have set a goal of doing about one every 10 minutes or so for the next hour and a half or so. Here I go!
Backlogging, and based almost entirely on my memory
Experience buying from @Ashley: I bought this tea from Ashley when she was selling all of her tea. I received the tea quickly through the mail and my package was filled with many surprises. Thank you Ashley!
Appearance and aroma of dry leaf: A combination of fine and larger dark bits of tea and other things; strongly smells of a spicy chai; lovely!
Brewing guidelines: Ceramic sixteen-oz cup and lid, tea in metal basket strainer; stevia added.
Based on feedback provided by this community (thank you LiberTEAS and SimplyJenW for your replies to a question I had earlier this winter!), I heat a few ounces of milk (currently unsweetened soy) in my wife’s ceramic cup just before pouring the water. I still remember the response from someone (SimplyJenW?) that steeping it with the milk (rather than adding it later), makes it all feel as if they all belong together. I love that viewpoint!
Please see my profile if you are interested in my reasons why I steep the way I do
……….1st: Near boiling; 2’
……….2nd: Nearer boiling; 3’
……….3rd: Boiling; 4’
……….4th: Spot-on boiling; 5’
Color and aroma of tea liquor: The color seems to be different than the other chai’s (we have a bunch of different ones now) when mixed with milk: it looks richer, somehow. I like this! Smells as good as any chai with milk.
Flavor of tea liquor: I have had only had a few sips of this (so then, why am I writing this review then? Huh? Huh!? I don’t know! I guess because my wife’s not a writer, per se, and so I don’t think she would ever do it!?), but I remember it being rich and tasty. I believe this is still tasty through four steepings.
Blends well with: I would think this would blend well with any other chai.
Value: I don’t find the teas of 52Teas to be priced to fit within our budget, but for someone who wants a unique tea delivered to their doorstep I think 52Teas’ standard charge of $9/2oz (delivery included) is reasonable.
Overall: As I allude to above, I got this more for my wife than for myself (she loves chai). It’s possibly the best chai we have on hand. I know she likes it (she asked for it just last night). We both love that its decaf, and I love that it’s a handcrafted tea!
