Thursday, March 3, 2016

Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Tangerine Shortbread Ice Cream


[New for 2016, dropped destination branding in 2017]
So I've mentioned that the Haagen-Dazs Artisan collection is gone and has been replaced by seven new "destination series" flavors. I've already had the excellent coffee flavor, I'm dying to try the brownie flavor, but the funnest looking flavor of the bunch has to be...

Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Tangerine Shortbread Ice Cream
vanilla ice cream swirled sweet-tart tangerine curd and shortbread cookies
(collaboration with Rare Bird Preserves)

I mean, shortbread pieces? What's not to love here? Ok, tangerine is different, and it sounds worse when you use the word curd (which makes me think of curdle or curdled milk), but I'm still stoked. I want to be reminded of teatime in the UK! (yes, the pint actually says that)

Interesting.... can see light swirls of tangerine as well as cookie bits trying to pop through.

Hmmm, well, that's ummm, something. Reminds me of that time that I tried to make tangerine cookies & cream ice cream (but this is much more mild). The flavor is there but it's taking it's time building up. Vanilla first, with quiet notes of tangerine.

It's not bad, the base vanilla is sweet and excellent of course, but the overall profile is unique and will take a bit of getting use to. Actually, I don't want to say it like that. It's an excellent product. I just think it might catch some offguard. The way it breaks down is different. You just don't expect these flavors together. In other words, I think it's kind of weird, but I'm pretty sure I could inhale this entire pint right now.

Sorry, I've been very vague these last few months haven't I? Specifics: Shortbread pieces are fine and vary in size. Not very hard or crunchy or sweet or gritty. Just a mild flavor with a somewhat soft but still noticeable texture. The tangerine swirl blends in to every bite. You won't get a really boring bite and then a really tart bite. The variation stays in a pretty small range. I wouldn't call it creamsicle, that's too simplistic for this one. Was that better?

On Second Scoop: Funny, this seems milder than it did yesterday. Not that it was strong before, but it seems more subtle now (maybe the swirl has faded a bit). The great thing here is the excellent vanilla base, it's a fun canvas for the swirl and the wonderful shortbread pieces. I tried to snag a picture of a huge chunk I found (wider than a penny and probably a fifth of an inch in thickness), but it broke in the photography process (but was still tasty none the less). I know it may not work well, but I almost wish there were shortbread crumbs everywhere to help jack up the cookie vibe. As is, it's still a fine flavor and definitely something you should try if the description has you curious.

Note: I should note that when I went to the store, only three flavors were available. 1 pint of coffee, 2 pints of mango, and a half dozen shortbread pints.

Note 2: I also realized that this is kind of an analog to Talenti's new Key Lime Pie flavor. Both feature a mild citrus flavor in a vanilla base with similar crust/cookie bits. If one doesn't work for you, maybe try the other (or avoid both, it's up to you!)

Verdict?  different
Buy Again?  on occasion


10 comments:

  1. Somehow missed this one in your preview (I think my brain could comprehend the Toasted Sesame flavor and thus couldn't read anymore); doubt this will be in my regular rotation either, but my enjoyment of shortbread trumps my apprehension about fruit in every bite of an ice cream enough to give this one a try when I see it.

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  2. I think it is a lovely flavor. It is a foodie/adult version of vanilla ice cream swirled with orange sherbet. The tangerine is light and subtle, but it adds complexity to the vanilla base. The shortbread takes it to the next level. I love lemon curd on vanilla ice cream, so it is fun to see a flavor made from a similar combination.

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  3. saw this today and went with peanut butter pretzel talenti instead. maybe I'll go buy it tonight since that other pint is pretty much gone.!lol.

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  4. I really enjoyed this one! Very refreshing, very different.

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  5. I had high hopes for this flavor, but it was way too bland for me. Soggy cookies were closer to pound cake than shortbread, and the tangerine flavor was weak to non-existent. Bummer, I usually love HD flavors.

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  6. Is it just me or does the flavor remind you of Orange Julius (no offense to Häagen-Dazs or teatime in UK 🇬🇧)!

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  7. Agree that this was is worth a try and that everything works well together, but I don't know how often I'd get it again even though it is a good fruity flavor. It could have used more shortbread pieces, but there were a lot of tangerine pieces, which almost seemed (at least visually) to leave small swaths of tangerine swirl behind.

    It's a good, restrained (it wasn't overly tart/tangy whatever a super strong tangerine would be) flavor that delivered well on its title (unlike Brownies a la Mode, the shortbread - and I had some pieces but just wanted a few more - is the last flavor listed). If I want that type of ice cream, this would be high on my list.

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  8. I was disappointed in this flavor. I thought it would be vanilla with swirls of tangerine. It is vanilla with a barely discernable tangerine essence. If I was blindfolded I am not sure I would pick it up. I liked the shortbread bits, but not enough to buy this flavor again.

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  9. Wow I had such high expectations for this one as I love the idea of unique fruit flavors in ice cream. Problem is all I tasted was vanilla. Once in awhile the vanilla would have a slight tartness, but there is no way I would link it to anything tangerine. There's a difference between a flavor being subtle versus practically nonexistent. Barely perceptible fruit in an above average vanilla base still doesn't 4 bucks a pint. Not for me anyway.

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  10. I picked this flavor because it intrigued me and now it's become my most all time favorite. I always have a container on hand in my freezer at all times. Yum!!! Keep it coming.

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