Hawaiian Dreams

It’s another crazy weekend of catching up with our things to do list, but I thought I’d take a little Steepster break. I’m finishing this as the last bit from my fruit try me pack. It’s alright but I feel I prefer a stronger flavor. I even used more leaf this time and it still didn’t have the depth of flavors that I like. It’s not bad; I just prefer other black teas over this one.

Pineapple? Oh yes it’s there. The coconut is stronger! and yet not in a sunscreen way, more of a maple syrup feel. Interesting.
I need to try it again to be sure. I’ll write more next time! For now, I’m content but not thrilled.
The black base is ok, I suppose. Everything about this blend is just ok… nothing pops. I want my pop factor :)

I’m overdue trying this one from Nicole, and I’ve been dreaming about being anywhere warm, sunny, and away for days, so why not?

Based on reviews I’ve read, I already had the preconception that Della Terra is a whiz at flavored teas. So I was expecting nothing but excellent…and got it.

Got the pineapple, got the coconut, got enough black tea that this would pass for a morning blend. An 8 oz. mug of micro-vacation. Pass the sunscreen.

Hmm I steeped this only 3 minutes and it definitely is a bit brisk for my liking. Not very flavorful either, I poured it over ice because it sounds like the perfect iced tea.

I added agave and now it’s very pineapple, with a hint of coconut creaminess. Never give up on flavors that need just the right kick! It’s not the coconut flavor you’d probably expect but I like what it brings to the flavor.

It’s weird to drink this now, I made it before I went outside just to take out some stuff for recycling. It’s so cool out! It’s weird because it claims to be 75 which I still think is warm but it doesn’t feel like it at all. The low tonight is in the 50s eeeee. So even though I will be in Florida in two weeks, I like the idea of something iced and tropical right now, even if it means I need a hot tea in the next hour.

I remember my sister making me a virgin Pina Colada in a blender as a kid when we were in Kauai. The creamy coconut and sickeningly sweet pineapple were almost unbearably rich- it’s one of those things that I feel needs something strong, like rum, to balance it out.

Why do I bring up that story? Well, despite that both it and this tea are related to Hawaii, the dry leaves remind me exactly of a Pina Colada. Luckily, unlike my virgin milkshake, Hawaiian Dream does possess that cutting strong addition that prevents it from being nauseatingly sweet. The black base is noticeable once steeped- in the odour and during mid-sip.

It’s not very astringent, and the pineapple, along with a little coconut, carry the cup. I think I may be noticing the sweet pineapple slightly more but it’s a close thing.

The one thing that prevents me from enjoying this tea to the max is the fuzzy and dry mouth. I still like the idea for the flavour combination, however, and I can’t complain about the dry leaf scent. Maybe this would taste good as an iced milk latte or slush.

Side Note: Ingredients have a tendency to settle. My coconut pieces were all at the top and I had to mix it all up.

Thanks to momo for a large packet of this one!

Dry and steeped, this tea smells quite pineappley. Perhaps a touch of creamy coconut, but predominantly pineapple, which is unsurprising given the fact that there are pieces of candied pineapple in the dry tea. The flavour follows, being predominantly pineapple with just a bit of coconut. I can’t even taste any black tea.

Overall, this isn’t too bad, but not a favourite. I may try icing some of it, as that sounds tasty!

I have so many delicious teas right now! I’ve been in a real black tea mood this past week so I brewed this up today with lunch.

This is a beautiful tea to look at, with bright yellow pineapple pieces and flecks of white coconut standing out against the black tea. The dry leaf and the brewed tea smell just like pineapple! I took the first sip and tasted lots of coconut, which I love. As it cools the pineapple has really been coming to the forefront. In addition, this tea is not bitter or astringent in the slightest, and I think it would make a fantastic iced tea. I’m really impressed by the flavor of this, as I tend to dislike teas that taste “artificial” to me, and this does not.

I am also thinking about my dad today, who lives on the south west coast of Kauai. They had an emergency weather alert last night but he is fine now and at home. I’d send him some of this delicious tea but I think he actually gets sick of Hawaiian food!

Mmm. Unvelievable coconut scent, really creamy.
It has a sparkly kind of feel – first tea I’ve tried that really had that.
Running out the door so this is a short note, but this is a decent (if weirdly sparkly) black tea. I don’t taste the coconut I smell, which is fine I guess. I’m just going to add some milk.

This one isn’t too bad, but it’s almost a little off this time. Like the coconut is not mixing with the pineapple right? IDK. I’m not really digging it today.

Oh well. Easy sipdown. (197, with my recent swaps added in…!)

Smells lovely, just like pineapple. The taste is definitely pineapple. I don’t pick up much coconut, though. Mildly sweet.

Not bad. Not sure I like it enough to keep it around, but I’m trying to be in reduction mode so that may be affecting my thoughts on that. ;)

It definitely needs the 5 minute steep time recommended. It is a very light tea.