80

This is one of the Black Friday teas I ordered through Amoda. The idea of this blend seemed intoxicating.

I butchered the beautiful bag in trying to open it: the instructions give a pull strip which takes you to ripping the pouch, but how to rip is unindicated, so I ended up with the plastic open/close zip strips on the same side. However, I may have proceeded correctly but had a faulty bag to begin with. I hate that. It forces one to run around hunting up an extra tin. Who has an empty tin at this time of year?

Anyway, the smell of the dry leaf is intoxicating too. Quite divine really. The leaf contains plentiful coconut bits and fat pineapple shreds. Pretty blend.

The taste is lovely, but a bit less lovely than one would imagine it would be. To me, the melding of flavours is less smooth than I would like. I don’t quite know how to explain it. It is as if each sip contains disconnected flavours: pineapple, coconut, and tea. Each flavour comes through clearly on its own. There is also the slightest bit of imitation flavour coming through at the end of the sip. Not so much as to tamper with the overall experience, but still.

Perhaps the second steeping will give up a smoother experience.

On the second steeping, the coconut creaminess and flavour come through far more prominently while the pineapple steps into the background. A far milder but still enjoyable cup. The imitation flavour disappears completely.

I may add the slightest bit of Lapsang Souchong to a cup at some point to see how it works with a bit of smoke.

Flavors: Coconut, Pineapple

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 30 sec 1 tsp 12 OZ / 354 ML
Fjellrev

I nearly screwed up opening one of those bags too. Such an odd design to get used to, I think.

Hmm, maybe it’s good I didn’t grab this one. Almost did. Adding LS is such a unique idea. Not a fan of the stuff but I’d imagine that smokiness would pair perfectly with the pineapple.

Evol Ving Ness

Do tell how you managed to not screw up because I have another bag or two from Amoda which I have yet to open and I would be so sad to have to run around to find more tins or more elastics or contraptions to keep the tea from losing all its flavour immediately.

It is a nice tea. I’ve only had it for the first time today. The flavours of the pineapple and the coconut are bright and vivid. I thought that the hint of LS might mellow things out a bit. Not that there’s anything wrong with bright and vivid. Maybe it was out of step with the black tea? I really enjoyed David’sTeas Grilled Pineapple Genmaicha with that toasty ricey thing going on, so perhaps that was what I was attempting to conjure up with the LS. I will report back once I have had another cup or two and/or begun experimenting. I hope I haven’t preventing you from trying this tea. It is a nice one.

Fjellrev

I have a couple more to open, and will probably try one a little later so I’ll let you know. From what I remember, I carefully lifted the tab up entirely before proceeding to start tugging at it, if that makes sense.

That does sound worthwhile trying. And thanks for reminding me that I still need to try Grilled Pineapple. Completely forgot that even existed.

Evol Ving Ness

Thank you. I will give it a go. And if it fails again, maybe I will send Teagan a note and report back.

Yes, do try it if it is still around. I really enjoy that one.

Evol Ving Ness

Yes, it is still around. I just checked. A heavy one and a bit expensive for a genmaicha/rooibos. I think I might choose this one as one of my upcoming free teas. https://www.davidstea.com/ca_en/our-teas/grilled-pineapple

Fjellrev

Ok, just opened my last one, and definitely just do it very slowly and carefully. I know that isn’t much of a help but no tins are needed!

How sweet would you say Grilled Pineapple is?

Evol Ving Ness

Did you have to rip the bag? Or just pull the tab?

I’ve had several cups of Grilled Pineapple, but it has been a while. It is not overly sweet. That is to say that it is not a particularly sweet tea when compared to some of DT’s dessert teas etc. The pineapple comes through with more of a pineapple tang than sugar sweet in my recollection. The sweetness that is there gets toned down by the rooibos and toasted rice, so there is that groundedness to it.

Evol Ving Ness

I just took a look at the ratings. The average is 65 while I gave it a 90, hoisting up my initial 81.

Fjellrev

You just have to pull the tab to the right and it’ll make an incision just above the ziplock part.

Cool, I’ll definitely pick some up next time I go.

Evol Ving Ness

Thanks. Maybe that is where I went wrong.

I just found out Zen Tea is having a sale now—last day. 30% off. Code is thanks. Where shall I post this so that people will see it in case they are interested?

Fjellrev

If there isn’t a thread in the discussion forum, maybe there? I wish they had their Chocolate Mint rooibos in stock. SO GOOD. And they got rid of two of my favourites, so nothing for me. What are you interested in?

Evol Ving Ness

Particularly Coconut Island Herbal. But here is my cart so far.
Raspberry Vanilla Rooibos

Rooibos-Vanilla Almond – 10g (0.35 oz) sampler Rooibos-Vanilla Almond – 10g (0.35 oz) sampler

Black tea – Taiwan Ruby – 50g (1.8 oz) zip pouch Black tea – Taiwan Ruby – 50g

Black tea – Keemun Finest – 50g (1.8 oz) zip pouch Black tea – Keemun Finest – 50g (1.8 oz) zip pouch

Qty

Fruit tea – Blood Orange – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch Fruit tea – Blood Orange – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch

Fruit tea – Sweet coconut island – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch Fruit tea – Sweet coconut island – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch
This sweet and mild combination of coconut and tropical fruits will transfer you to a tropical island.Ingredients: ap…

Fruit tea – Blueberry Cream – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch Fruit tea – Blueberry Cream – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch

Evol Ving Ness

Sorry. Didn’t manage to clean that up very well.

Evol Ving Ness

I am now trying to be sensible and whittling my cart down because yanno.

Fjellrev

Have you tried any of those before or you’re just going with 100g of some untried?

Evol Ving Ness

The deed is done. Nice discount. Reasonable shipping. And in Canadian currency. So, yay!

Evol Ving Ness

I have been reading up on comments and making my own list of wants when I get ready to order. I reduced all the 100 gr ones except for the coconut one. And no, I haven’t tried any of them before other than the Milk Oolong. I have tried a few of Zen Tea’s herbals and have been quite happy with them, especially when pitted against the overly artificial ones DT produces. I need uncaffeinnated options (but perhaps I don’t need them immediately).

Evol Ving Ness

I see myself justifying the purchase of more tea. Hard.

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Fjellrev

I nearly screwed up opening one of those bags too. Such an odd design to get used to, I think.

Hmm, maybe it’s good I didn’t grab this one. Almost did. Adding LS is such a unique idea. Not a fan of the stuff but I’d imagine that smokiness would pair perfectly with the pineapple.

Evol Ving Ness

Do tell how you managed to not screw up because I have another bag or two from Amoda which I have yet to open and I would be so sad to have to run around to find more tins or more elastics or contraptions to keep the tea from losing all its flavour immediately.

It is a nice tea. I’ve only had it for the first time today. The flavours of the pineapple and the coconut are bright and vivid. I thought that the hint of LS might mellow things out a bit. Not that there’s anything wrong with bright and vivid. Maybe it was out of step with the black tea? I really enjoyed David’sTeas Grilled Pineapple Genmaicha with that toasty ricey thing going on, so perhaps that was what I was attempting to conjure up with the LS. I will report back once I have had another cup or two and/or begun experimenting. I hope I haven’t preventing you from trying this tea. It is a nice one.

Fjellrev

I have a couple more to open, and will probably try one a little later so I’ll let you know. From what I remember, I carefully lifted the tab up entirely before proceeding to start tugging at it, if that makes sense.

That does sound worthwhile trying. And thanks for reminding me that I still need to try Grilled Pineapple. Completely forgot that even existed.

Evol Ving Ness

Thank you. I will give it a go. And if it fails again, maybe I will send Teagan a note and report back.

Yes, do try it if it is still around. I really enjoy that one.

Evol Ving Ness

Yes, it is still around. I just checked. A heavy one and a bit expensive for a genmaicha/rooibos. I think I might choose this one as one of my upcoming free teas. https://www.davidstea.com/ca_en/our-teas/grilled-pineapple

Fjellrev

Ok, just opened my last one, and definitely just do it very slowly and carefully. I know that isn’t much of a help but no tins are needed!

How sweet would you say Grilled Pineapple is?

Evol Ving Ness

Did you have to rip the bag? Or just pull the tab?

I’ve had several cups of Grilled Pineapple, but it has been a while. It is not overly sweet. That is to say that it is not a particularly sweet tea when compared to some of DT’s dessert teas etc. The pineapple comes through with more of a pineapple tang than sugar sweet in my recollection. The sweetness that is there gets toned down by the rooibos and toasted rice, so there is that groundedness to it.

Evol Ving Ness

I just took a look at the ratings. The average is 65 while I gave it a 90, hoisting up my initial 81.

Fjellrev

You just have to pull the tab to the right and it’ll make an incision just above the ziplock part.

Cool, I’ll definitely pick some up next time I go.

Evol Ving Ness

Thanks. Maybe that is where I went wrong.

I just found out Zen Tea is having a sale now—last day. 30% off. Code is thanks. Where shall I post this so that people will see it in case they are interested?

Fjellrev

If there isn’t a thread in the discussion forum, maybe there? I wish they had their Chocolate Mint rooibos in stock. SO GOOD. And they got rid of two of my favourites, so nothing for me. What are you interested in?

Evol Ving Ness

Particularly Coconut Island Herbal. But here is my cart so far.
Raspberry Vanilla Rooibos

Rooibos-Vanilla Almond – 10g (0.35 oz) sampler Rooibos-Vanilla Almond – 10g (0.35 oz) sampler

Black tea – Taiwan Ruby – 50g (1.8 oz) zip pouch Black tea – Taiwan Ruby – 50g

Black tea – Keemun Finest – 50g (1.8 oz) zip pouch Black tea – Keemun Finest – 50g (1.8 oz) zip pouch

Qty

Fruit tea – Blood Orange – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch Fruit tea – Blood Orange – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch

Fruit tea – Sweet coconut island – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch Fruit tea – Sweet coconut island – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch
This sweet and mild combination of coconut and tropical fruits will transfer you to a tropical island.Ingredients: ap…

Fruit tea – Blueberry Cream – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch Fruit tea – Blueberry Cream – 100g (3.5 oz) zip pouch

Evol Ving Ness

Sorry. Didn’t manage to clean that up very well.

Evol Ving Ness

I am now trying to be sensible and whittling my cart down because yanno.

Fjellrev

Have you tried any of those before or you’re just going with 100g of some untried?

Evol Ving Ness

The deed is done. Nice discount. Reasonable shipping. And in Canadian currency. So, yay!

Evol Ving Ness

I have been reading up on comments and making my own list of wants when I get ready to order. I reduced all the 100 gr ones except for the coconut one. And no, I haven’t tried any of them before other than the Milk Oolong. I have tried a few of Zen Tea’s herbals and have been quite happy with them, especially when pitted against the overly artificial ones DT produces. I need uncaffeinnated options (but perhaps I don’t need them immediately).

Evol Ving Ness

I see myself justifying the purchase of more tea. Hard.

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Bio

A monk sips morning tea

A monk sips morning tea,
it’s quiet,
the chrysanthemum’s flowering.

- Basho

(1644-1694)

Note to self—-you do not actually need any more tea.

My real tea obsession began in February 2015.

Not, sadly, when I had been living and working in China, though I very much enjoyed sampling a variety of teas during my travels there as well. No, no, that would have been far too sensible.

I am a reformed coffee drinker. I still enjoy a long double espresso with a good quantity or milk or cream from time to time, but for now, tea is my thing. All day.

*note—this is way out of date, so if we are doing a swap and you are checking to see what I like and dislike, mostly never mind what you find below. One of these days, I will update this. In the meantime, check what I’ve been drinking and use your own judgement. I like all the teas. Well, I am open to trying all the teas.

I tend to drink black, green, or oolong tea in the morning to early afternoon. Rooibos or
Honeybush or herbal in the evening. And perhaps some sort of sleepy-type tea in the wee hours.

This year, I’ve been discovering flavoured teas, so it may look like that is all I drink although that would provide a false impression.

Not a big fan of chocolate or mint in teas, but I will try them and, from time to time, have been pleasantly surprised. Also, usually I dislike a prominent cinnamon flavour, if untempered with other things, in teas. Again, I say usually, because there are exceptions.

Also, please note that haven’t quite gotten into the habit of updating my tea cupboard on Steepster, and it is unlikely that I will do this on any kind of regular basis.

I drink my tea black and unsweetened. If there comes a rare moment that I add something to it, I will mention it.

Finally, while I thank large and successful tea companies for tantalizing and beckoning me to the world of tea, I prefer to support independent ventures with real people, real enthusiasm and commitment, and real dreams.

Currently, I am researching monthly tea subscriptions. Perhaps it will keep me out of tea shops.

And here is Shae’s rating scale— which I am using with permission, of course— which more or less describes the way I have been rating teas. I am going to make more of an effort to stay very close to these parameters now.

Rating Scale

1-20: By far, one of the worst teas I’ve tasted. I most certainly will not finish my cup and will likely “gift” the rest to my sweet husband who almost always enjoys the teas I dislike (and vice versa).

21-40: This tea is not good but if I mix it with another tea or find another steeping method I might be able to finish it.

41-60: This one is just okay. I might drink it again if someone were to give it to me, but I probably won’t be buying more for myself.

61-75: This is a consistently good tea. It’s reliable but not necessarily special.

76-90: This one is a notch above the rest and I would gladly enjoy a cup of it any day of the week. I’ll likely be keeping this in my cupboard, but it isn’t one of my all-time favorites.

91-95: One small change and this tea would be perfect. I’ll definitely have a stash of this in my kitchen if you come over for tea.

96-100: No words can describe this tea. It’s an experience, an aha moment. Closed eyes, wide smile, encompassing warmth. Absolutely incredible. Perfect.

Location

Mostly, but not always, Toronto, Canada.

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