Caramel Apple Dream

I tend not to like Celestial Seasoning’s apple flavoring, so I was hesitant to try this. But, it had enough positive reviews here that I decided it was worth a shot. THe final verdict…I still don’t like Celestial Seasoning’s apple flavoring. It doesn’t taste too bad at first, but as the tea cools it gets sweeter and more artificial tasting to the point where I find the tea undrinkable. I am very much not a fan.

I was blown away by this one! It tastes exactly like a caramel apple. They managed to make it sweet without resorting to stevia (thank God) . The apple tastes genuine, and the caramel dances with it. The hibiscus and cinnamon were interesting choices, but upon sipping it, they work. The hibiscus works with the apple and brings in a tart note to counter the sweetness from the caramel and the cinnamon.

I hope they don’t stop making this one! It’s fabulous. Better than Bigelow’s seasonal Apple Cider flavor.

Ha-ah! Found some! Granny Smith juice up front, a hint of burnt sugar in the back. Another one that may improve more with a little dairy and sugar, but I’m far too schleppy to get up. (Reveling in the dregs of a decadently quiet holiday weekend: tree up, cat snoozing on my lap, “Fiddler on the Roof” cranked up loud. L’chaim!)

Not a fan.

I got this for my boyfriend to try since he really likes warm apple drinks in the colder months and loves caramel. Turns out that this is so not for me. It tastes like a sour apple with a lot more sourness than should still be present after coating it in caramel. The caramel isn’t really noticeable, especially compared to how strong I thought it would be based on the name. There also seemed to be a fine line between weak and overpowering when it came to steep times. My cup was too weak at 3 1/2 minutes, so he left his bag in for almost 5. The hibiscus in this kind of took over at that point. Why on earth did hibiscus need to be the second ingredient in this tea?!?!?? Oh well. The search continues for an apple-y caramelly tea that he’ll like.

I was so excited when I found this tea at my local Wegmans, and a plus, it was on sale for $1.99, yes please! I was a bit worried when I read the ingredient list (a few things on there I’m not so fond of) but I added sweetener and I am literally getting one of those caramel covered apple lollipops you get during fall/Halloween time. I am definitely getting caramel, which while in the name, surprises me, and the tartness and crispness of apple. Might have to go back to get another box. I can see this completing with my Teavana Spiced Apple Cider. This is almost a lighter version, but it does have a similar taste profile – so if you hate that, take caution of this!

I happen to love it though! Yum!