Name: Rooibos Vanilla Chai
Brand: Adagio Teas
Type: Rooibos, flavored (Chai)
Form: Loose leaf
Cost: $2.00 for a 10 cup sample tin, $7.00 for 4 ounces, quantity discounts available.
(Don’t forget that if you are a first-time Adagio customer, you can get a $5 gift certificate by entering your email address in the widget at the top left of this blog!)
Review: Adagio has recently introduced several new chais and was good enough to send me a set. Late last night I was looking for something to drink, and decided on the Rooibos Vanilla Chai, especially because it is caffeine-free and wouldn’t interfere with my sleep.
I opened the can to discover a great heap of dried spices and rooibos. Make no mistake: This blend is heavy on the spice with the rooibos playing but a supporting role. The nose was of clove, ginger, and, I believe, cardamom, with only a hint of vanilla in the background.
The chai infuses to a lovely pumpkin orange, with the vanilla becoming more apparent in the nose. I tried the chai three ways:
- Hot with milk
- Hot with milk and sugar
- Hot without milk
(I suspect that this would also make a delicious cold chai, though I have not yet had a chance to try it that way.)
Like most rooibos-based tisanes, this chai doesn’t have the depth or complexity of one made with true tea. The spice blend, however, compliments the rooibos well, creating a delicious, warm, and spicy drink.
When served plain (with no milk or sugar), the spices dominate, leaving the mouth pleasantly tingly. Add a bit of milk, however, and the vanilla steps forward, add sugar and milk and the vanilla dominates. The tisane has its own sweetness, though, so hold off on the sugar until you have tried it plain.
Recommendation: This tasty chai is a great option for those who can’t drink true tea or who want a decaf option for evenings. This rooibos chai is versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Affiliate Links in this Post: Yes
_64.gif)
