When I first started getting into loose leaf I was really excited by the prospect of DAVIDsTEA’s pineapple oolong. However, when I first smelled it I got nothing from it. I LOVE pineapple – in almost anything. Just hearing the word pineapple alone makes me want to try whatever it’s combined with out. Whether that’s pineapple pizza, candy, soap or cosmetics, or tea.
Everytime I go in to DAVIDsTEA I ask them to pull down the pineapple oolong so I can smell it – each time hoping that there’ll be some new aspect to it that pulls me in and makes me want to try it. And, each time I get nothing. Zip. So, the idea of a Butiki pineapple oolong tea had me really interested – of course when I put in my first Butiki order I got some.
Dry, this smells like everything I want DAVIDsTEA’s Pineapple oolong to me. Overwhelming natural, SWEET (and not too tangy) pineapple. Like the pineapple juice not from canned pineapple bits but straight from pineapple rings cut off a juicy pineapple. The kind that, when you eat too much of it, your tongue gets that sore “acidic pineapple” feel – but you just can’t stop eating it because it’s that fucking good.
For steeping, I’m sticking with the package instructions yet again: I’ve had pretty good results thus far doing things that way.
I’ve heard some people express some concern over the “flowery” part of the title of this tea – and if I wasn’t such a pineapple freak I think I MIGHT be one of them. Pineapple and floral notes aren’t something I’d think would go together – but I’m willing to try anything pineapple at least once. Even something weird like “Pineapple and pickles” (there’s an idea for you, Frank). Anyway, steeping the scent is much more mild and subdued. There’s a gentleness to it that isn’t so present in the dry leaf. The dry leafs practically SCREAMS sweet pineapple juice. This kind of whispers it.
Taking baby sips now, but I’d really like to be taking gulps. The taste is EXACTLY like it smells – but with a touch more floral aspects (and it really does work) and a bit more present oolong. I’m in love. This is probably the best Butiki tea I’ve yet to try – and I’ve really enjoyed most of the ones I’ve had (and the ones I didn’t love certainly weren’t bad, either). Of course more of this shall be added into my Butiki order!
I think I’m getting really near to putting it in now… So many choices, though. Finding a balance of getting more of the ones I’ve tried now and loved and ordering ones I’ve yet to try but am curious about.
EDIT: I’m really glad I put in an order for more of this, because I just spilled half the delicious mug across my lap. It wasn’t exactly piping hot – but it was pretty hot. Ow :(
I ordered some of this in my first Butiki order. I am super excited to try it!