Hearthside Chai Tea (TE35)

This was in the traveling tea box I received. The person who included it noted that it was their favorite tea, so I really wanted to try it. Without reading anything about the flavor, I was expecting a smokey chai, maybe a lapsang/chai mix(does anyone make that)?

Even though I was a little disappointed that this wasn’t what I was expecting, it is still good. The spices are really mild without being weak. I can definitely see myself sipping this next to a fire with a nice book and a kitty. I was worried the licorice would be strong, but I didn’t notice at all.

So I had several teas today. I tried to review them earlier but Steepster was down for kettle cleaning. Someone finally turned off that kettle.

I get creamy chocolate notes with licorice mostly. Cardamom, cinnamon and ginger seemed to have blended into a different sort of spice. It’s difficult to pick each one up separately. The tea feels a bit malty and smooth. I think I’d rather keep a different chai around, since I’m not a big fan of licorice. So far no one has been able to beat the comfort and pleasure I get with Indian Tea from MarketSpice.

First, for technicalities, Upton now calls this “Hearthside Chai” and it appears to be limited edition.

It’s a chai kind of night. Chai is something I can usually count on liking. For those of us who like the chai spices, it’s usually a matter of trying to find the perfect blend for our own personal preferences. Upton has already won me over with their Tropical Chai Spice, but there’s always room for more favorites in this category : )

Ok, the smell of this one is wonderful. It smells like it has vanilla (but does not, and doesn’t come through on the taste either). First sip, I’m thinking about a friend who likes her chai spices to be very mild. For me, I want a little more pow. The flavors are very well blended. Can detect the licorice, cinnamon isn’t dominating (common) and it’s a nice “mild” blend. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is worth a test (but hurry, it’s limited) : )

Does anyone know whether this is seasonal (will be back next year?).

Not as fond of this one as I feel like I should be. Withholding rating for now. Will give the sample another chance in the future :)

I think I have found it! The chai I want to marry…….well, at least one of which I could buy a whole bunch and not regret it.

This one is really good…..Others I have had were a little on the spicy side for me and some of the spices seemed disconnected. The flavors in this one are all blended up into a warmth that is perfect. Nothing seems out of place. It is like freshly baked cinnamon rolls. For those of you wanting the more traditional, super spicy and peppery chai, you could probaby skip this one. For me though, it is the one! (I still have one more to sample, though!)

1 1/2 cup water and 3 tsp tea simmered for 3 minutes. I am out of milk, so I added about 1/4 cup half & half plus another 1/4 cup water and simmered for 2 minutes. Sweetened.

I ordered a sample of this ages ago, and I just came across the sample pack (still sealed) last night as I was rummaging through my stash. So, I decided to finally try it.

This is quite YUM. Not my favorite chai (not by a long shot), but it is nice. I find myself missing the cloves, and wishing for a more substantial black tea base. But, the cacao is really nice in this, as is the licorice. It is very pleasant, warming but without being too spicy-hot or peppery. Nice on this foggy, chilly afternoon.

I think I’ve finally found a blend that tastes like the delicious chai I get in Indian restaurants- but without having to simmer spices in milk for an extended period. This is… so ….good. With a touch of my vanilla soy milk it’s even better. I feel like I’m sipping a spicy Indian dessert. Most chais really do let me down, but I knew I was in for a treat when I opened the package and smelled a delicious waft of what seemed almost graham crackerish (I know, that may sound dubious.)

What are you doing still reading my pithy review? You should be on upton’s website adding this to your cart- at least one of the cheap samples’ worth! (That is, if you like chai at all.)

Just kidding, I like it when you read what I write :)

Amazing, absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Tastes like the inside of a warm gooey Cinnabun, but with ginger and some woody tastes too! What makes this stand apart from most teas is the fact that the cup tastes exactly (if not better) than it smells. Probably going to buy this in bulk; I went through the 15 gram satchel in under 3 days.

Try it, all of you.. TRY IT. If you’re apprehensive, just spend a dollar on their 15g sample packs like I did. But be forewarned… you will crave it.

:)

I bought this one over the holidays when I was on a chai tea bender. I had this with milk and a bit of sugar and it was delicious.

It has a very nice smooth cocoa flavor to me that I thought blended very nicely with its tame spices. You still get a little bit of spice, but it’s very mild. I usually prefer my chai teas to be a bit on the spicier side but the cocoa in Hearthside was so good that I didn’t even mind.