1202 Tasting Notes
This is my go to tea when I am sick, congested and want something non caffeinated and soothing. The mint is decently strong and because it is bagged, it’s a no brainer to prepare when I’m under the weather. The taste is clean, simple and minty. It’s also inexpensive compared to other teas that I favor, so I don’t feel wasteful when not tasting any subtleties while congested. I find it goes well with a little honey and is a good addition to my collection as a staple.
I had a can of the TJ’s chai mix in the past and remembered liking it well enough, so when I saw that they had a pumpkin version (and I’m a sucker for trying anything pumpkin flavored) I had to nab it. The check out gal commented on how good it was while I was purchasing it, so I was even more hyped up to try it. The first whiff I took smelled a little soapy with pumpkin. When I tasted it, I found the same. It was sweet with a muddling of spices, some pumpkin flavor and that overwhelming soapy taste on the sides of my tongue. That was about all I got out of it for the whole cup. Not as good as their plain chai and not worth using up my self imposed one caffeinated cup a day ration. I can tell this one is going to sit in my cupboard for a while taking up precious real estate for other teas. Bummer.
I could not agree with your post more. I was so excited to try this. The first thing that I thought of after my first sip was soap. I wanted to give it a wholehearted try so I kept drinking it hoping that it would taste better. Unfortunately it did not. I felt like I was drinking hot spiced soap. I am going to return it and exchange it for their regular Chai Latte which I love. I also plan on trying their Caramel Latte. Will let you know how that turns out ;)
I live an hour an a half from the nearest TJ’s but I might just follow your lead and return it the next time I go. I didn’t know they had a caramel version. I’m curious, yet skeptical after this pumpkin yuckiness.
