Caribe

Thanks to the Overboard TTB that I’m getting to taste this one.

I hardly ever get to taste any H&S teas, although not that many really catch my attention, I did really like the Christmas tea I got this year. Anyways, I figured that the name was a play on the work Carribean. Guava is a eastern tropical fruit though, so maybe the theme was just ‘tropical’.

There were no brewing directions on the sachet (and I was too lazy to look them up), so I brewed the sachet in a mug 175*F for 4 minute, the low temp because it’s a green/black blend, and that’s what my zojirushi is set to. This didn’t taste much like anything really and the smell was just OK. Eh. I guess it could do in a pinch, it didn’t taste bad, but I literally can’t remember much about it at all, and I drank it less than a half hr ago. I would finish the mug, but I wouldn’t buy it, I won’t even bother rebrewing the bag.

Overboard TTB.

This is my last sample from the Overboard TTB. I found it underwhelming. I could taste a decent tropical fruit flavor, but it did taste somewhat artificial to me. I also didn’t like the flavor of the blended black and green tea. I’m not sure exactly what it was I didn’t like about it, but I wasn’t really a fan.

Overboard Traveling tea box

Can I claim it as a sipdown since it was the last sachet in the box? No? Maybe?

Anyway, I steeped this per the instructions and unsweetened I’m getting a bland black/green tea combo and maybe something trying to come through as fruit, but it’s barely detectable. Also, it’s a little sour. This is a shame since the sachet smelled so good and I had high hopes.

Sweetened, it’s a bit better. I’m getting some tropical fruit flavors… maybe pineapple and guava or maybe mango, but it’s not bursting and since it hardly came through without sweetener, I’m not considering this one all that successful. There are far better tropical greens out there; ones that don’t need sweetener to taste the fruit flavors and then if you do, pow! This one just isn’t quite there.

So I had a sample of this once before, and while I enjoyed the strawberry and guava notes, the black/green base was slightly strange, as they tend to be. When I received a second sample, I decided to save it till the weather warmed up and I could try it iced. Well, the day has come. It is DELICIOUS iced, so much so that I’m putting this on my summer wish list. Honestly, I wonder if all black/green blends are designed to be iced, they taste so weird when they’re hot.

Another exotic Harney & Sons tea. Delicious scent, fruity, tropical. Only had one sample and would like to give it another go, maybe try it with brown sugar. I added a dash of almond/coconut milk after half drinking it without milk. Also want to try it iced.

I’m certainly starting to learn what’s a good brand, and where my preferences lie. This tea is fruity without being a fruit-only tea, it’s not black nor green but a combination of all of these, which I like.

Thanks VariaTEA for this Harney sample which I would not have thought to ask for otherwise, despite my general approval of all the things in this one. I started by cold brewing it, but you gave me enough of this that I’ll be able to try it several ways!

- HOLY CALZONE DOES THIS SMELL STRONNGGGG
- Like, it’s in three layers of zip bags now and STILL spreading guava smell
- Taste wise; the guava is surprisingly muter compared to the smell
- Still strong and juicy though
- I don’t think I like the black base as much as other guavaXbase pairings
- ’Bout 50/50 base and guava with something “extra”
- Floral? Is that the extra?
- The black was very bold and brisk, though

Right now my mind isn’t made up on this blend – but I’m excited to keep exploring! Also, I’m still waiting for trick or treaters – right now I’ve only had the neighbor’s kids come to the door. Sooo..

Hurray up! ‘Cause I’m dying of Antici…

PATION!

Another sample from carol who! This one smells like a tropical vacation in a tea bag…so fragrant and fruity! And I was pleasantly surprised to find that the flavor lives up to the scent. I taste the guava and strawberry as I sip it and then just a hint of the black tea in the aftertaste. It’s quite a delicious combination…in fact, I may just have to add this one to my wish list!

Uhhhh, I can’t remember who sent me this sample, I’m sorry :(
If it was you, please know I grateful to try it finally!
It had been on my wishlist for a while!

I’m going to be frank, here.
It smells tropical, very fruity… But there’s something else.
I noticed it immediately when sniffing the dry leaves, and was hoping not to taste it.

Alas, I can taste it.

Please don’t be offended by my decision to honestly describe this tea. I need to.

There’s an overwhelming armpit note going on here.
Like, when someone has bad BO and they lift their arms in a crowded subway car* and you catch this horrible whiff of onions….

It smells of it and it tastes like the smell.

So yeah. No idea which ingredient provides this aroma…I have to assume it’s guava because it’s the only thing I don’t recall ever trying. I drank it, but I don’t really wanna drink the other half.

I hope this doesn’t ruin it for you if you started off loving it.

*I don’t even live in a city with a subway system. I live in a town. And I’ve taken a train as a mode of transportation twice in my life, when visiting Toronto and Montreal. I was too nervous that time I went to NY. But that gives me a good reason to visit the big apple again one day. Anyway, I bet it made me sound much cooler when i referenced the subway system like I was actually a frequent train traveller instead of a compact car driver :)

Backlog… it’s amazing how these can build up.

As will almost all Harney and Sons tea it’s black and green is nicely balanced. They always see to get their bases very well done.:) I was surprised by the guava but it is good. The floral perfume -y scent and taste were hard to get past. Not sure if I would take a cup if offered.
Thanks The Cookie Lady!

The guava is strong with this one both in scent and taste. It is pleasant and fruity and would most likely make a nice cold brew, though the hot cup is still nice. I worried the hibby would make this tart but this cup is smooth and sweet. I don’t taste the strawberry much either so perhaps the hibby and strawberry are canceling each other out and leaving the guava alone to really shine. However, guava is a taste that I am not a huge fan of and I find at times the scent can either be appealing or off putting depending on my mood. With that in mind, this certainly isn’t going to be a staple in my cupboard but it has made for a fun new tea to try. Thank you Naylynn for passing it along.