I’ve heard terrible things about this tea, so it was with trepidation that I opened the packet. I think we’re okay, though. I can smell warm, ripe pineapple, coconut, and a sort of slightly sour red berry scent. I’m guessing it’s the hibiscus or the rose hip, although I don’t think it’s decidedly either. The dry mix taken together does have a bit of an odd scent, but, to be honest, I find that with most Adagio teas.
So, on to the tasting. Brewed, this smells mostly of pineapple, with a bit of an undertone from the hibiscus. I don’t think there’s anything I can’t smell hibiscus in, when it’s there. I was hoping the pineapple scent would come through into the taste, but it doesn’t really. Dasappointingly, as it smells almost like the real thing — and amazingly juicy to boot. Instead, this tea tastes primarily of coconut. There’s an odd berry-like taste in the background which is throwing me a little, but it’s not unpleasant.
After everything I’ve heard and read, I’m glad this tea turned out to be drinkable. Pineapple is one of my favourite flavours, so I’ve been looking forward to this for a while. It’s a shame the pineapple doesn’t really come out too much in the taste, but the smell is completely mouthwatering. The only thing I really can’t detect is the apple, but I guess I can live without that. I might take this to work tomorrow and try it with some honey, but I’m pretty happy with the way this turned out. One of Adagio’s better fruit blends, I think.
