Ohana

I forgot that I’d already tried Ohana, so when asked, I tried it again. I ended up brewing this particular batch rather weaker than the first, because I didn’t have quite enough of the sample left to brew a full mug. It actually was better weaker! The passionfruit was able to get past the nose/taste of the pineapple, and made things rather more balanced. I could even taste the jasmine and rose.

I think I actually brewed it a little too weakly this time, but now I know it’s something to remember. It does still have a distinctly acidic mouthfeel, so it’s not a tea I will be seeking out (the fact that I am allergic to fresh pineapple may simply be making me more aware of the pineapple acidity) but it’s definitely better than my previous rating.

So. Brew slightly weaker than you think you want, and you’ll get more flavors out of it. :-)

As a huge fan of Lilo & Stitch, I had to pick this tea up when I ran across the T&A booth at a comic con I was attending. In the canister it has an intensely fruity, floral aroma and you can clearly see large flowers and rose petals generously intermixed into the black tea base.

After a standard black tea brew it provided me with a rich amber liquid that still smells strongly tropical – I swear I’m picking up pineapple, though I can’t imagine why – but sadly it’s all a bit overwhelmed by the strong black tea base, to the point where none of the flavors actually come through.

I’m quite disappointed, as my nose was promising me many fruity delights and my palate can’t find a single one. :/