An Exotic Blend (Twinings Chai)

Member Name: Zmugzy

Product:	Twinings Chai
Date:	12/11/07 (157 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Delicious with sweet snacks

Disadvantages: Not recommended to drink with main meals

I have been experimenting with different teas over the last two years and Chai tea from the Twinings Aromatics range was one of the more pleasant memorable surprises. I have always adored Earl Grey and have tried Twinings Lemon tea which is an equally delicious alternative. I've also dabbled in the more common herbal varieties. The time came however, when I felt that I needed to extend my range and tea drinking ambitions.

Chai tea is a rich black tea, the flavour of which is described as an infusion of Indian spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. It is the cinnamon that I instantly recognised upon my first mouthful of this spicy tea. The combination of spices gives it an exotic flavour that evokes warm orange sunsets and a stirring breeze that gently floats up from the lapping waters of the Ganges. The overall effect is refreshing but soothing stimulation.

I prefer not to drink this tea with main meals as it has a bold sweet taste that may over power the flavour of food. Brewing time is approximately 3 to 5 minutes and it is best drank by itself or as an accompaniment to sweet snacks. It is delicious with some varieties of plain chocolate. You can if you wish add honey or sugar to taste. I have added a drop of milk to the blend on occasion, but on reflection I'd say this was a careless extravagance on my part and probably isn't the best recommendation. Although according to the Twinings website: "In India Chai is served with milk and is often sweetened to bring out the flavour of the spices."

I find that the price of aromatic teas and in particularly Twining teas can vary greatly and shopping around is greatly advised.

Price:
£3.45 for 50 tea bags at www.spicesofindia.co.uk
£1.40 at Tesco

Summary: A spicy tea from India