Two fruity green teas, two different directions
If you're choosing between Sailors Haven and Coastal Green, you're looking at two fruity green teas from Clipper Ship Tea Company that share a category but go in very different flavor directions. Sailors Haven is a vibrant, tangy blend of cherry, lemon, and pineapple that leans into classic summer treats. Coastal Green is a smoother, more tropical option with lime and pineapple leading the cup, finished with a clean, earthy green tea note. Both are excellent hot or iced, but the right pick depends on whether you want bold fruit or a refreshing, easy-drinking blend.
Flavor and ingredients at a glance
Here's how the two teas compare on flavor and what goes into each blend.
- Sailors Haven: Tasting notes: cherry, pineapple, lemon. A vibrant explosion of fruit that combines tangy cherries, juicy sweet pineapple, and fresh lemongrass with earthy green tea. Ingredients: green tea, cherry, lemongrass, pineapple, safflower.
- Coastal Green: Tasting notes: lime, pineapple, tropical. Pineapple and lime lead the cup, followed by a soft, almost creamy smoothness that hints at coconut. Orange and mango add rounded fruitiness, and the finish lets the green tea come through with an earthy note. Ingredients: green tea, orange, pineapple, lime, mango, marigold, cornflowers.
What the catalog tells us
The catalog describes Sailors Haven as one of the most fruity green teas, with flavors that remind the blenders of Italian ice and ice-pops. It's bright and sunny, recommended both iced and hot, and the description suggests adding a touch of simple syrup if you have a sweet tooth. Coastal Green is described as light, smooth, and tropical without being overly sweet, with a clean finish that lets the green tea come through. It's also recommended both hot and iced, and it's positioned as very easy to drink.
Brewing differences matter
Both teas use the same water temperature, but the steep time differs, which can affect intensity and bitterness.
- Sailors Haven: Steep time: steep 1 heaping teaspoon of tea per 8 oz below boiling water, 175°F, for 3-4 minutes. Sailors Haven's longer steep allows the tangy cherry and lemon to fully develop, but oversteeping can bring out more bitterness from the green tea.
Sailors Haven - Coastal Green: Steep time: steep 1 heaping teaspoon of tea per 8 oz below boiling water, 175°F, for 2-3 minutes. Coastal Green's shorter steep keeps the cup light and smooth, preserving the delicate tropical notes and clean finish.
Coastal Green
How to choose between them
If you want a bold, fruit-forward cup that reminds you of summer treats, Sailors Haven is the obvious choice. Its cherry, lemon, and pineapple combination is vibrant and tangy, and it can handle a little sweetener if you like a dessert-like tea. If you prefer something lighter and more refreshing, Coastal Green offers a smooth tropical profile with lime and pineapple leading, and a clean, earthy finish. It's a tea you can drink all day without feeling like you're sipping juice.
Serving sizes and formats
Both teas are available in the same size options, so you can choose based on how often you brew.
- Small 50g (1.8oz): Good for trying the tea for the first time.
- Medium 150g (5.3oz): A practical size for regular drinking.
- Large 300g (10.6oz): Better value if you drink tea daily.
- XL 454g (16oz): Best for heavy users or sharing.
The honest tradeoff
The main tradeoff is between intensity and smoothness. Sailors Haven delivers a more pronounced, tangy fruit flavor that some may find too assertive, especially if you prefer a subtler cup. Coastal Green is more balanced and easy-drinking, but if you're looking for a big fruit punch, it might feel too mellow. Both are quality fruity green teas, and the choice ultimately comes down to whether you want a vibrant, sweet-leaning blend or a light, refreshing one.
