By JOSEPH MALDONADO/Staff Writer
I’ve always wondered who starts on the third entry in a series. Like it’s got the number three next to it. There are two more entries that precede whatever this third piece is. That being said, I would hope that whoever’s reading this has also read the first two articles, that way they know what journey I’m on.
For my next new drink tasting, I ordered the last Staff Picks from Enoch’s Wine and Coffee House. As of writing this, there are only three staff picks, although one would assume that as new employees are hired, and drink concoctions discovered, additions to the picks would be created.
The staff pick that I tried today was “The Last Word”, a hot chai latte with lavender, vanilla, and cinnamon. The staff member that constructed the drink was Jennifer Chandler, who wanted to expand Enoch’s tea palette.
The drink is served on a cute little plate, which is how most teas and hot lattes are served apparently. On top of the steamy liquid chai is a layer of foam, and to complete the layering is a dash of cinnamon sprinkled conservatively, that gives the drink a hint of spice and bite. It’s an incredibly sweet drink overall, but sweet in the natural sense, not the way that Coca-Cola is sweet.
Admittedly, I have even less knowledge in tea than I do in coffee, which isn’t much to begin with. I don’t know if most chai tastes this sweet, with a minty aftertaste. I would assume that the lavender helps boost or tune this minty taste into a softer fresh aftertaste, and the foam and cinnamon makes it warm and comforting.
When I asked Chandler what feelings she wanted to evoke in “The Last Word”, she replied that it reminds her of home, and the emotions she feels when she sees her sister. The drink was designed to be a little sweet, with a touch of fall and cinnamon. The one word she would use to describe her drink as is, “home”.
Tea always brings me that feeling. I’m lucky to have come from a home that was accepting and loving and never aggressive or a terrible place to be. And “The Last Word” reminds me of the experience I get when I come home. My brothers and sister and father and mother all excited to see me, embracing me with open arms. That’s what it feels to drink this tea. Warm and comforting.
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