Just the mention of the word chai makes my heart skip a beat - not only because I love it, but also because I spent an entire evening taste testing this delicious (mostly) caffeinated concoction. I wanted to find out what was up with the numerous odd chai requests.

The most common request is to make the chai mix without water. I have never made it with water, so that request always left me puzzled. I also am often questioned about what brand is use to create the mix. I guess there is a complete underground cult of chai drinkers who only drink certain brands. I invite you to broaden your buds and join me as I recall my trip through Chai Town.

The first chai of the evening was made with Thai Palace Chai. The barista made it with half mix and half whole milk. It had a sharpness of cinnamon that lasted throughout. This chai was markedly the least sweet. The drink was only moderately creamy, which surprised me because of the milk choice.

The second chai ingredients were Monin Chai Syrup and 2% milk. The drink contained about an ounce of syrup, and the rest was milk. It had some cinnamon taste to it, but this was balanced with the vanilla and honey taste as well. It was definitely the sweetest of the chais and was the creamier of the cups. It's a spiced and sweetened green tea extract, and is decaffeinated.

The third cup of chai was made with Oregon Chai mix and 2% milk. It's a black tea extract. I found this chai to be the most middle of the road: moderately creamy and moderately sweet. The cinnamon taste was strong but not overpowering. From what I've heard, Oregon Chai is a love it or hate it mix, but I failed to see why.

The fourth chai (yes, by this time my stomach hurts) was made with Tazo Chai mix and 2% milk. This one is a black tea extract. It is rumored that this is the chai made with water, but when I asked how it's made there was no mention of water in the mix. (I've been told it's only in the hot beverage.) And, in fact, it was second in the creamy category.

Each drink was around $3.00 and I left a dollar tip (yes, fellow baristi, I am looking out for you). $16.24 later, I still don't know what all the fuss is about. I guess I can't be part of that secret underground cult of brand right chai drinkers because I can't really say that I prefer any one chai over another. I guess it just depends what I'm in the mood for.

I also completely believe that the drink is a small part of the overall experience. I let the barista be my guide and, other than asking for them iced, all my chais were no fuss no muss. I understand that you all want your drink how you like it, but I challenge you to chance upon happenstance chai.