Served at Velvet Sky bakery in Jenkintown.

I haven't had many Yerba Mate-based "chai" blends, so I don't have much to compare this to.

Cinnamon is the dominant tone in the aroma, which I don't like. I actually prefer masala chai without any cinnamon, but whether or not there is cinnamon, I prefer other spices, especially cardamom, to be the dominant spice. This blend includes cardamom, ginger, and clove, as well as the less-traditional ingredient lemongrass, but to be honest I don't notice much of these...cinnamon just dominates.

I also think the cinnamon makes the cup have a very warming quality, which, while it might be nice in winter, didn't do it for me during this heat wave of humid area in the mid to high 90's.

So far I prefer Octavia's other blends (and I actually prefer their pure teas most of all). I'd be unlikely to drink this one again unless they reformulated it to have less cinnamon.

As a final positive note, I really liked the flavor and sensations on the palate...just a hint of sweetness, and a pleasant tingling, presumably from the clove. Pleasant, even if I wouldn't drink it again.

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