OUR CHAI
At Gray Duck Chai we follow a few simple rules to make an amazing cup of chai. None of these rules are rocket science, but by following them we can ensure that we produce a chai that we are extremely proud of, is sociably responsible, and tastes super.
1. Gray Duck Chai uses only whole spices and we grind them on the day we use them. Working with the ingredients by hand ensures that each spice maintains all of the essential oils throughout the brewing process. This attention to detail keeps the flavors and aromas of each spice. We never use extracts, artificial ingredients or pre-ground spices that have had weeks or months to lose their integrity.
2. Use organic ingredients and local sourcing when possible! We value fair labor practices over cheaper things. Gray Duck Chai uses organic sweeteners and spices in every bottle you see. Organic is not a buzz word, this label is only for ingredients that are wholesome in nature and high quality. Organic sourcing is part of our responsibility to the world and to the safety of the farmers who grow chai ingredients. The honey used in our Rooibos and MN Honey blend is from a Minnesota hive and local beekeeper. Side-note: Truly organic honey isn’t produced in the US partly because bees cannot be contained and their work sustains all local agriculture. We are proud to be local and support local.
3. Hand brew in small batches. We are a local brewery not a big box warehouse. It is our belief that a hands on approach creates a better chai that is noticeable in every way. The Gray Duck Chai brewers, Chad and Erika, brew each and every batch by hand in our local NE Minneapolis brewery. They taste every batch (hygienically) ensuring that every cup of chai you drink has had a personal stamp of approval from the people who create it.
4. Produce a lightly sweetened chai. We use just enough sweetener to bring out the full flavor of the tea and spices, and not a single bit more. Many versions of chai have an excessive amount of sugar or use artificial sweeteners. Gray Duck Chai uses only 100% organic cane sugar portioned to let you perfectly experience the tea and all of the spices that are the star of the show, doncha know!