Chai Now

Tipu’s latest micro-ground mix
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Generally skeptical of the western appropriation of Indian traditions, we do find the occasional diamond in the rough. The self-billed “chai snobs” at Tipu’s recently introduced Chai Now, a fully loaded chai latte that stacks up nicely to their already stellar selection. Building off of their successful Microground Instant Black Chai, Chai Now adds non-GMO soy powder and evaporated cane juice to the instant mix.

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Tipu’s uses high-quality, non-irradiated spices to produce powerfully flavorful chai mixes and concentrates. The caffeine content is noticeable, and the mix can easily replace a morning cup of coffee. While bold, the flavors are well balanced to prevent any one note from becoming overwhelming. The level of sweetness remains nicely mild, which is definitely a rare quality in mass-market chai. Tipu’s recipe comes from founder Bipin Patel’s grandmother’s recipe, crossing continents to find its way into this ready-to-drink mix.

The only real drawback of Chai Now is that sediment in the mix tends to settle at the bottom of the glass, though that’s relatively easy to avoid. We preferred the “slow brew” mixes since they allow you a bit more control over strength, sweetness and milk levels. That said, Chai Now is perfect for your spring camping excursions—just add water and enjoy a spicy cup on a cool night.

Chai Now is available along with the full line at Tipu’s online shop.


Bourbon Barrel Foods

Repurposed casks add distinctive notes to small-batch sauces and spices
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Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the city known as the gateway to bourbon country, Matt Jamie has found a new way to repurpose barrels that have been used to age the region’s signature spirit. Bourbon Barrel Foods makes micro-brewed and barrel-aged soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, marinades and sorghum salad dressing, as well as barrel-smoked salt, sugar pepper and paprika once the whiskey has been drained.

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The barrels can only be used once to make bourbon, and are then typically exported to make scotch, Irish whiskey, rum and tequila. Bourbon Barrel Foods stood out from the crowd at the Winter 2012 Fancy Food Show for the company’s new local, sustainable approach to reusing bourbon barrels with delicious results.

Each small batch of soy sauce is made with non-GMO soybeans grown in southern Kentucky, soft red winter wheat, and limestone-filtered spring water, and then aged for 12 months in the whiskey casks, which infuse the liquid with a distinct, smoky flavor unusual to the traditional Japanese marinade.

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Bourbon Barrel Foods is a member of the Original Makers Club, known for their cultural business guide to Louisville that champions the work of unique local companies. Products can be found in the Bourbon Barrel Foods online shop.