Both pineapple and coconut are flavors that can be very difficult for me to appreciate (see how brave I’ve been this time around – melon, lychee, pineapple and coconut; I’m taking on all my taste nemeses) and in the bag, this is all piña colada, with an emphasis on the coconut. No bland, artificial coconut, though, but one that takes me straight back to a coconut farm I visited in Ben Tre.
Steeped, the scent mellows considerably, but there’s still an emphasis on the coconut – which is surprising, as I thought this would be far more about the pineapple. In the sip, though, the fruit comes through and balances the coconut very nicely. I can’t help thinking, though, how perfect this would be with a little almond or vanilla thrown in for added complexity.
As the tea cools, the flavours come out more and more, but the balance remains excellent – again, surprising, as I thought the pineapple would take over completely.
This one might just grow on me, too, which could get expensive in the long run – all I want to do now is google island vacation spots.
[From my Lupicia spree at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, October 2013.]
Boiling, 2 min