May Flowers! This is another chai sampler from my T2 sampler haul that I actually put off last month since it also includes rose and jasmine. This is an herbal chai, so it is just a blend of spices, with the addition of licorice root and the floral petals. I’ve actually been very curious to try this one!
I have to say, I was immediately let down by the leaf. In my little sampler, there was only one rose petal, and I couldn’t make out much (any?) jasmine either. So much for saving this chai with the expectations of a floral-touched flavor profile! So I already know going in this is pretty much just going to be a strong spice blend. Ah well. I do have one other chai in my collection that has floral additions (a black tea blend) so maybe it’ll work out better?
The brewed tea has a very strong cinnamon aroma. The flavor opens with hints of cinnamon and ginger, but the anise and licorice root are definitely the strongest flavors in the cup. I’m a big fan of both of those notes, but I know a lot of people aren’t, and if you fall in that category, then this is a chai blend you’ll want to stear clear from — the licorice notes really pack a wallop here! There is a little touch of cardamom right near the end of the sip, and I’d say the flavors of the spices do blend well, but there is certainly a dominance on the anise/licorice root element… and I was disappointed the floral element in my sampler was pretty much non-existant, because I was curious what that might have added to the blend in terms of giving it some sweetness balance.
Because I enjoy licorice flavors, I did enjoy this cuppa. But I most enjoy a chai that balances its spices well, and I was disappointed at the lack of the floral elements after I had been looking forward to that particular aspect of the tea.
Flavors: Anise, Licorice, Spices, Spicy, Sweet
