Review: The ingredients list leads you to believe this has all the makings of a good seasonal winter warmer. The smell is strong and sharp, with a hint of sweetness (licorice and cinnamon) and a floral element (rose petals). You can also really smell the cardamon.
The trouble with this blend is that, although it tastes okay, and the star anise leaves your mouth feeling pleasantly cool, the licorice and anise flavours really stand out, making this infusion a bit too sweet.
That said, it's much softer than normal chai, so if you're looking for something similar but without the caffeine factor of black tea, this might be a good option for you. It all depends on your sweet tooth. And we didn't try this, but we wondered if maybe it would taste better with a touch of milk. Maybe you can try it out and let us know in the comments box below.
The main factor here is the price - £7.50 a box. It's more cost-effective than it seems, as you can re-brew and make one teaspoon last about 3 cups, giving you up to 120 cups per box. That said, unless you're really keen on sweet drinks, you'll want to take this blend in small doses, so you'll probably have that box in your cupboard for a loooooong time.
Best time of year to drink this: Winter
Best time of day to drink this: Mornings (in place of black tea), afternoons (if you get chocolate cravings) and evenings (to warm up and relax)
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