Looking for a new fruity oolong to add to my collection, I happened to be by my local Teavana and thought I’d take a peak. I’m a huge fan of tropical flavors, and the description of this one sounds right up my alley.
The tea is nothing special to look at or smell; a plain-looking rolled oolong with bits of pale dried fruit. The scent is not very tropical and honestly leaves something to be desired – though I don’t agree with Chris’ description of it as “Christmassy,” I believe that speaks to how little it reminds one of island life.
Steeping, it releases a LOT more sweet fruit smell, and the deep golden liquor it leaves behind is a fantastic example of a flavored oolong done right. The first and last taste on your tongue is subtle, smooth earth, topped off with just enough papaya flavor to earn its name. I can’t detect much presence of the other fruits visible in the tea, but they’re most definitely responsible for the sweet steeping scent. I would like a bit more tang out of a tropical tea. More pineapple would certainly be welcomed.
Putting my expectations based on the name and ingredients aside, this tea impresses me more than most of Teavana’s tepid fruit infusions. I’d buy this again.
-Cash
