Taiwan Gaba Oolong

Brew & Taste

Taiwan Gaba Oolong is a sparkly golden color and its flavor is similar to homemade strawberry jam sprikled with physalis fruits. The impression is generous, refreshing, with a smooth, round body and a pleasant fruity finish. With each subsequent infusion, the tea unfolds a new, pleasantly sour note full of the aroma of forest fruit, but never becomes bitter. Whether you drink it hot or make it into iced tea, it will leave you craving for more.

Origins

Gaba Oolong comes from the Ming Jian area in Nantou County, Taiwan's only inland region. The landscape there is undulating, dotted with tea gardens that stretch out at an altitude of around 300-350 meters. The gentle hills and valleys offer ideal conditions for growing tea plants (Camelia sinensis), with sufficient moisture, fertile soil, and a subtropical climate with balanced temperatures throughout the year. The daily temperature fluctuations also promote the development of the rich aroma and delicate flavor of the tea leaves.

The entire Ming Jian region has become famous as an important Taiwanese tea-growing area. The teas from this region have a balanced character, excelling in delicacy without losing their fullness. The area has given the world several famous oolongs, such as Dong Ding and Jin Xuan, which are very popular with tea lovers. Gaba Oolong continues this tradition, modern yet deeply rooted in Taiwanese tea culture.

What makes Gaba oolong so special? In addition to the place where the leaves were grown, its taste and aroma are also influenced by a unique method of fermentation in an oxygen-free environment. This increases the gamma-aminobutyric acid content in the tea. The result is an exceptionally delicate, beautifully fruity and light flavor.

Let’s not forget the cultural significance of tea in the Ming Jian region. The cultivation and processing of tea plants is often a family tradition passed down from generation to generation. Plantations are not only places of production, but also the heart of local culture. Tourists come to the area to admire the landscape, sample fresh teas, and learn about a community where tea has a place both on the table and in everyday routine.

It’s also worth mentioning the historical designation ‘Formosa Oolong’, which you may encounter. For decades, this was the name given to a wide variety of Taiwanese teas, but over time the term lost its prestigious meaning and today we are more likely to encounter it in anonymous, average oolongs without a clear origin.

Gaba Oolong from Ming Jian is the exact opposite of such ‘Formosa Oolongs’. It is neither anonymous nor generic, it has a clearly defined region of origin, a well-known producer, Mr. Yu, and a described cultivar, Bai Lu (TTES No. 17 – White Dew). It’s definitely worth your attention.

Tea packaging preview

We pack our teas in a strong, zip-lock aluminum packet which allows you to easily re-seal its contents. This container protects the quality of the tea against humidity, light or foreign odors, all of which could noticeably affect the quality of the brew.