Tea Review: The Chai Palace’s Garden in Bloom Chai

Steep Time: 5 minutes

First Sip Thought: “A mix of spring & fall.”

Smell: When this very aromatic blend is released, I can see myself taking a stroll in my mother’s flower bed when I was younger. Sipping on a lighter black tea back then, this blend’s aroma is exactly what I would experience in that moment. The spices are there but it’s the flowers and rose petals that are exciting my senses and bringing back the memories.

Taste: I’m always a bit hesitant to try anything that is not a traditional chai because I love the classic way too much to sometimes give the other creative chai blends a chance. If you’re not into a heavily spiced chai, perhaps this is a nicer version for you to consider as it is mild with sweet notes. Due to the floral essences in this blend, it is quite lighter than a typical chai. I begin to notice more of the cinnamon and cloves as the tea cools down slightly, however the rose buds and petals are still the stronger ingredient here which really makes this tea luxurious. I find that the black tea really supports the floral and spice flavours in the background. With the combination of warm spices I associate with colder seasons and the lovely garden essences associated with warmth, it truly is a mix of my two favourite seasons; spring and fall. This chai was prepared with a splash of milk and sugar and I declared it one of the best calm chai blends I’ve had in a while!